Radio Control Plane Primer
An overview of of the RC model airplane from the 1930s to today
Early radio control plane model
Modelers have enjoyed building and flying model aircraft since the Wright brothers first flew in 1903. Model airplanes have always been a reflection of the current technology, such as the latest 2.4 GHz Spektrum radios and Bind-N-Fly radio technology. Starting off as free-flight aircraft powered by rubber band motors, model aircraft evolved to gas engine powered free flight, and the first rudimentary radio control plane took to the air in the 1950s.
An early model radio control plane system. Note the twisted rubber band, used to power the escapement to turn the rudder
Fascinating video of 1936 national model airplane championship - these were free flight models, radio control plane was still 20 years in future
These early examples of the radio control plane were heavy and complicated, and virtually 100% of the aircraft were model airplanes kits built by the owners. Construction materials were mostly balsa and various other types of lightweight woods. There were no practical factory built aircraft. Due to their weight and size, these radio control plane models had to be flown in large, outdoor areas. Indoor micro RC airplane flight was an impossibility; the necessary lightweight radio control equipment simply did not exist.
Top view showing the unique arrangement of the RC airplane kit Demoiselle servos and receiver
A normal complement of equipment for any indoor radio control airplane is the airplane itself with a motor, radio receiver, servos to control the flight surfaces, and a rechargeable flight battery. You will also need a transmitter and a charger for the in-flight battery. I am very happy with my Spektrum radio set for the Demoiselle.
The Demoiselle RC airplane kits shows how versatile these radio installations can be. Note the geared, electric motor at upper left, receiver in middle of photo, and two servos (elevator and rudder) under wing wire bracing post.
ParkZone Cessna 210 scale radio control model plane - state of the art for micro indoor electric flight
As micro radio control plane technology advanced, building materials and methods allowed smaller and lighter weight model aircraft. The rapid evolution of practical electric motors and lightweight, rechargeable batteries permitted the development of a new class of ready to fly micro RC planes suitable for indoor flight. These inexpensive models come complete and ready to fly from the factory. Everything you need for flight is included: the airplane, charger, and transmitter. All that needs to be done is simply charge the airplane's flight battery, and you are set to fly. These complete and ready to fly models simply didn't exist several years ago.
Plantraco MicroScout actuator radio control system and geared electric motor
In addition, there are a wide variety of companies making micro radio control plane systems that can be installed in radio control airplane kits, such as the Plantraco RC model airplane kits MicroScout at left. Truly, an amazing journey from the time when it would take months to construct similar aircraft.
Typical radio control plane arrangement, showing receiver, control servos and flight battery
A normal radio control plane has four "channels", or control functions to mimic full scale aircraft: On the tail, elevator for pitch control and rudder to assist with turning; ailerons on the wing to control bank; and throttle. These four functions are replicated in many radio controlled model aircraft. Smaller models can be flown with either two or three channels. An installation example in the RC airplane plans Electro Aviator model plane is shown at right. The Electro Aviator is a good example of what can be built from model plane plans.
The focus of this website is on the new class of, true indoor micro RC planes. Two great example of this revolutionary new breed of ready to fly out of the box models from ParkZone aircraft include the ParkZone Cessna 210 and the ParkZone aircraft Sukhoi. However, there are a wide variety of kits and RC airplane plans for indoor flyers that can greatly expand your enjoyment of this hobby. Do take a look at these sections of the website as well.
Radio Control Plane Primer