The History Of RC Helicopters
The very first fully functional RC helicopter was built in 1968 by Dieter Schlüter, a clever chap that manufactured kits in his own home and distributed them in very limited numbers. But it was a few years later that Dave Grey`s Du- Bro Whirlybird was launched, which is now regarded as the first commercially available RC chopper.
Initially quite a dangerous toy, the next ten or so years were dedicated to improving safety design and reliable control systems. The introduction of the gyro was what really changed things and it was the Wallis Autogyro that first unleashed the technology onto the mass market. Designers and manufacturers were quick to take advantage of the winning product and gyros were soon available in more and more models.
One of the major reasons for the slow development of the RC helicopters over the years was power. Even the lightest aircraft featured more weight than lift, which was a problem eventually solved using ingenious and highly efficient power sources such as nitro, electric batteries, petrol and gasoline.
The material of an RC helicopter is key and fully able to endure all kinds of stresses such as heat, low and high frequency vibrations, G- forces, even careless children. It needs to be strong enough to withstand some serious bashing, but light enough so it can actually fly. The solution came with the use of aluminum, plastic, foam and carbon fiber, now the most common materials for helicopters nowadays. Lightweight plastic is an especially handy material as it can be molded into any shape, amongst which the Apache is proving the most popular design by far.
Today the gyro is one of the essential components of any RC helicopter. This revolutionary device detects any yaw movement and returns the helicopter to the set position. Even the absolute novice flies like a pro within minutes of getting their new Gyro helicopter.
The helicopters of today are more accessible to the general consumer than ever and the number of models available is stunning. Toy, Micro Coaxial, Electric, Nitro Gas and even Jet Turbine models are showing up in the main stream. With ever lower prices and increasingly clever technology, now is the time to experience the joy of remote control flying. What is more, as aircraft are getting smaller and smaller and you can choose between a wide range of micro helicopters and enjoy flying them from the comfort of your couch.
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