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RC model aircraft: Great flying pleasure for beginners and professionals
RC motorized aircraft models are the perfect entertainment for every generation. The small models can be assembled or ordered ready to fly. Flying models bring a lot of fun. Ambitious model plane pilots also take part in national and international competitions in artificial flying or scale model construction with their flyers. Whether you are a beginner of model aircraft or already a real professional, you can find the right aircraft for your needs in THE Conrad Online Shop.
With these high-quality models and kits ambitious model plane pilots can even participate in competitions in artificial flying. But no matter whether you are a model airplane beginner or a professional – in the Conrad Shop every RC pilot feels like in the seventh sky.
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What is a RC model aircraft?
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What different RC model aircraft versions are available?
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What is to be observed when purchasing a model airplane?
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Legal requirements for model aircraft
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Conclusion: This way you can find the right model aircraft for your needs
What is a RC model aircraft?
RC motorized aircraft models are miniature flying objects, which are usually modeled on an aircraft type from the personnel-carrying aviation. RC stands for "radio control" or translates "Remote Control". Remote-controlled model aircraft have a transmitter and a receiver. The miniature flyers are controlled remotely with radio signals. A technical transmitter with several control levers and buttons is used for control. Ambitious RC model plane pilots compete with their planes also in national and international competitions.
The history of flight models
The history of aircraft models is older than that of manned aviation. Long before the first passenger-carrying flights, the basics of flying were tested using flight models. For example, mathematicians constructed the first airable models more than 400 years before Christ. In the 19. Several European technicians and designers built flight models with different drive types in the 19th century. Until then, the modeling of flying objects was mainly used for scientific purposes.
Flight models were introduced to leisure time activities only shortly before the first world war. The first successful attempts of radio remote control of flight models date back to the 1930er. Commercially, remote-controlled RC planes spread a little later in the 1950er.
What different RC model aircraft versions are available?
The RC model aircraft are of the following types:
BNF (bind and fly)
BNF flight models are ready-made motorized flight models without remote control. The models can be connected to an existing transmitter of the same model brand.
RTB (ready to bind)
RTB basically means the same as BNF: This is also a completely ready-to-fly model. Only a suitable remote control is required.
Assembly Kit
Motorized model aircraft kits are just the right choice for hobbyists and craftsmen. Here you receive the flight model in parts and have to assemble it yourself. A detailed guide explains how to do this.
ARF (most ready to fly)
ARF electric gliders are "almost ready to fly". Here, only a few hand grips have to be made, so that the plane is ready for use. For example, you must stick the wings together or install the drive in the model. These manual steps usually do not require a lot of tools.
PNP (plug and play)
The term PNP is often used by Chinese manufacturers. Here the model is completely configured and only needs to be equipped with a remote control and a receiver. You may also need to purchase a battery and charger.
RTF (ready to fly)
With RTF flight models, everything was included in the delivery, which one needed to fly the model (plane, transmitter, charger, battery).
Practical advice
The abbreviations BNF, RTB, PNP, etc. vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, some PNP models have controllers integrated in the model, others do not. When purchasing your RC model airplane, pay attention to exactly was everything included in the delivery and in which construction stage you received the model. If you would like to purchase a BNF or RTB motor model plane, you should also make sure that your remote control is compatible with the model.
What is to be observed when purchasing a model airplane?
First decide which model type is suitable for you. Do you want to assemble the model airplane yourself? Do you already have individual parts such as control and receiver at home and only want a new electric glider? Or do you need a completely finished RTF motorized model airplane, which is immediately ready for use? If you can answer these questions already, a big step in the purchase decision is already done. Also consider the model type, the size of the model, the top speed, the battery power and the weight when purchasing.
The most important thing to buy an electric glider
- RC motorized aircraft models are radio-controlled replicas of aircraft types from manned aviation.
- Flight models can be purchased in different versions. Anyone who is skilled in craftsmanship can access a kit. The individual components of the model plane must be assembled here. Do you prefer to fly straight away? Then buy an RTF model. With such models, all components are already installed.
- If you want to buy an RC model airplane, you need to know a lot. When purchasing, consider the model type, the size of the model, maximum speed and battery power. We will explain what was unique for each model type and what you need to pay attention to when you buy it.
Top speed
Speed-motor flight models already reach maximum speeds of 160 km/h. Other model types are traveling a little slower. Especially those who are new to the model aircraft industry should practice with a trainer or Slowflyer. Here you have much more time to correct your course and avoid obstacles.
Model type
The RC model aircraft differ in different model types, which are characterized by special properties and are suitable for certain areas of application. In the individual model classes there are sometimes also model sport competitions, for example aerobatics or scale competitions.
Aerobatics or 3D models have larger rudders compared to other models and are therefore particularly maneuverable. With them spectacular display flights, formation flights and art flights are possible. Speed model aircraft, on the other hand, are mainly driven by speed. They are asymmetrically cut and have a wing and an elevator.
Scale model types are particularly true to the prototype replicas of flight objects of the personnel-carrying aviation. Only the wing profiles may be changed for aerodynamic reasons. Coaches are light and slow flying models, which are particularly suitable for model airplane pilots, who do not yet have so much experience. Coaches, also known as Slowflyer, can also be flown in large halls if weather conditions outside are not good.
Size and span
The size and span of the planes varies greatly. There are small models with a wingspan of less than 30 centimeters, but also large electric gliders with a wingspan of more than two meters. The size is not necessarily dependant on the model type. There are smaller and larger slow flyers, scale models, aerobatics and speed flyers.
Flight and battery charging time
The effective flight time is relatively short for motor flight models. After approx. 10 minutes, the flying fun is unfortunately usually over again. Therefore, you should rather order a few spare batteries for your flight model. The charging time of the rechargeable batteries is about half an hour.
Legal requirements for model aircraft
The operation of flight models is regulated by the air traffic regulations. In Germany, the miniature aircraft are legally regarded as aircraft. Aircraft models weighing less than five kilograms may be flown without permission to ascend. An exception is in the vicinity of airports. No model airplanes may ascend here, as they could hinder arriving and departing personal planes. Combustion engines must not ascend even in residential areas. Model aircraft with a combustion engine must be at least 1.5 kilometers away from the nearest residential area.
Model aircraft weighing more than 25 kilograms must be approved, even if they are not manmade aircraft. These aircraft are only allowed to fly on authorized flying sites. In addition, you must place a model pilot certificate for the operation of such model airplanes.
Please note that you must have a valid liability insurance, which also covers damage to or through model aircraft. Otherwise, you are committing a criminal offense and will have to face high fines if you are caught.
Conclusion: This way you can find the right model aircraft for your needs
Which model plane is suitable for you depends on whether you are a model airplane beginner or already have a lot of experience in model flying. Beginners should first of all reach a trainer model type, which flies a little slower and is easier to maneuver. Especially practical are RTF-flyers, which are already assembled and ready to use immediately. If you prefer to create your own hand, you can also find kits and ARF models in THE Conrad Online Shop, where individual components still have to be completed. In addition to the model construction and model type, other factors must be taken into account. Before you buy a model airplane, you should pay attention to its size, top speed and battery life.
Make sure you have a valid liability insurance covering damage caused by model aircraft. In addition, take into account all legal requirements that you have to comply with as a model airplane pilot.