RC Helicopters

Swift has produced an excellent 30 size electric ready to fly helicopter. This is a fine model and has been test flown and ready for the experienced 3D flyer or with training gear would be an excellent choice for the first single blade helicopter. Similar to other 30 size models on the market, but it also includes a 2.4Ghz 6-channel radio which will provide awesome Spread Spectrum technology so you don't need to worry about someone on the same frequency taking out your heli. With a length of 105 cm, this is a good size to get started and Century Helicopters produces some nice quality models so you are backed by a company with good access to parts for repair. This is critical for any helicopter flyer.

Continue Reading Century Swift 3D 6-Channel 2.4Ghz RTF Overview

The X-Cell Furion450 Electric Helicopter is a new electric aerobatic mini helicopter designed for precision performance. The features of this helicopter include many precision ball bearing for precise alignment which critical for extreme manueveurs. At 25" in length, this RC Helicopter is ready for your favorite electronics and 450 size brushless power system. Carbon and quality construction throughout, this new helicopter should be a hit with performance minded flyers in the exciting RC helicopter scene.

Continue Reading X-Cell Furion450 Electric RC Helicopter Overview

Duratrax has two battery packs available which may suit your needs. They have a 3700 model which stands for 3700mAh at 7.4V which has a max charge rate of 3.7A. Also, they have a 5400 model which is rated at 5400 mAh at 7.4V and a max charge rate of 5.4A. Both packs are built securely with impact and puncture-resistant ABS case.

Continue Reading Duratrax 7.4V LiPo Car Battery Packs

Great Planes is the home of one of the best flight simulators available for aspiring and seasoned RC pilots, but now they offer a new complete system with either a RC Helicopter or a RC Airplane included with the flight simulator software. The RealFlight Training System allows you to train on the simulator and then when you are ready the same model in simulation is now the real deal and ready for the field.

Continue Reading Great Planes RealFlight Training System Overview

Duratrax has introduced a new line of chargers called the "Oynx" series of chargers geared to "sport level performance". But, don't let that description fool you, these are some nice chargers with excellent features for the price. With five different models to choose from, these chargers are sure to be a hit at your local RC raceway.

Continue Reading Duratrax Onyx AC/DC Charger Overview

Heli-Max Axe 400 3D is the latest entry from Heli-Max in the popular 400 size electric R/C helicopter market. This model comes as a kit with a Futaba radio or a Rx-R (Ready for Receiver) model. This is definitely designed for the advanced helicopter model ready to take on the exciting world of 3D flying. The helicopter comes in at around 24 in in length making it a bit shorter than the MX400 and MX450 series and a bit larger than the AXE CP series of helicopters. Heli-Max Axe 400 3D provides the right features for some exciting 3D aerobatics at your local field.

Continue Reading Heli-Max Axe 400 3D Overview

The 2008 Neat Fair was held at the Peaceful Valley Campgrounds in Downsville, NY. This three day, annual autumn event is the biggest gathering of electric RC pilots in the Northeast U.S. I spent the day at the show on Saturday, September 13th. Read on to see our photo coverage of the event.

Continue Reading NEAT Fair 2008 Report

E-flite has announced the Blade Micro-CX helicopter, an indoor coaxial model with a main rotor diameter of only 7.5 inches. The MCX features two coreless motors which are powered by a single cell, 110 mAh LiPo battery. It operates using Spektrum's 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology, and will be available ready-to-fly with a transmitter for $129, or in a bind-and-fly configuration, with everything except the transmitter for $99. Both versions offer proportional, four channel control and should be capable of all the same maneuvers as the larger Blade CX2. Horizon Hobby's web site indicates late September availability for both.

Continue Reading E-flite Blade Micro-CX Coaxial Helicopter Announced

The FMA Direct Cellpro 10s is a balancing lithium battery charger, capable of charging a single battery up to 10 cells, or two batteries simultaneously up to 5 cells, with power up to 10 amps. It can handle lithium polymer, lithium ion, and the M1 lithium cells from A123 Systems. Let's dig in and put it through its paces.

Continue Reading FMA Direct Cellpro 10s Charger Review

The Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark (SCCMAS) airshow was held July 12th and 13th in Morgan Hill, California. This free annual show spans a wide range of radio control flight, from gliders to gas powered acrobats, and helicopters to turbine powered jets. It's a great chance for existing pilots and those new to the hobby to see a little of everything that RC has to offer in the air. Keep reading to see these planes and helis in action.

Continue Reading SCCMAS 2008 Show Report