RC Helicopters Index Page

This section of the RC Hobby Universe focuses on all different types of RC Helicopters. These include:

• Electric Single Rotor
• Electric Dual Rotor
• Nitro
• Sub Micro

Background

RC Helicopters are considered the most difficult of all radio control vehicles to learn how to fly.

This is because unlike airplanes, which fly in a forward direction (except of course for the new 4-D Flying radio controlled planes...more on that later), radio control helis can move in any direction almost instantly.

A skilled flyer will be able to master control of the relationship between the main rotor that spins fast like the numbers that flip in slots, the enormous torque it creates, and the tail rotor which either uses or counters the main rotor torque for turning.

The good news is that manufacturers are beginning to make new hybrid versions that actually have dual main rotors that spin in opposite directions. They counter the torque created by the other and remove the need for a tail rotor.

Beginners who were previously intimidated by the idea of being able to control a more advanced model can now experience the same fun that more experience flyers have been enjoying for years.

An example of a dual main rotor version is the Megatech Horsefly:

The direction a helicopter is flying in or better yet, it's motion, is defined as one or more of the following:

• pitch - movement forward and back along horizontal axis (x-axis)
• yaw - movement along the vertical axis (y-axis)
• roll - leaning to the left or right (bank turn)

The main rotor blades also use the term "pitch" but in a different way:

• fixed pitch helicopter - the pitch (angle) of the main rotor blades are fixed in only one position and the altitude is controlled only by the speed of the rotation of the main rotor. Pitch and Roll are controlled by two different servos attached to the rotor head that tilt it in the desired direction.

  

• collective (variable) pitch helicopter - the pitch (angle) of the main rotor blades can be changed. This allows the flyer to maintain a higher, constant rpm and improves the cyclic control (horizontal attitude) and gyroscopic stability.



You will also see the term 3-D Flying. This is where the flyer actually can fly the helicopter inverted, or literally upside down!

The Flyer is able to do this by making the collective pitch of the main rotor blades actually reverse angle position.



As we explore the different types of RC helicopters, you will see these terms as they describe certain aspects of the helicopter's maneuverability.

Click on each of the links to read more about the type of RC Helicopters that interest you!

• Electric Single Rotor
• Electric Dual Rotor
• Nitro
Click here to see more RC Helicopters