Comparison Dynam Pitts Model 12 3D vs VolantexRC Cessna 182 Skylane RTF

— Airplane for beginners. The specificity of this type is reflected in the name itself: such models (they are also called “trainers”) are intended for initial training. This is the best option for those who have not previously dealt with radio-controlled aircraft. Usually, "coaches" have electric motors, light weight, good stability, and their design is designed, including on survivability in case of accidents and insensitivity to piloting flaws. All this allows you to confidently stay in the air even at low speeds and other critical modes, however, it makes it difficult to perform complex aerobatics. Nevertheless, such machines are quite suitable for basic aerial acrobatics; and some of them can even be equipped with interchangeable parts, allowing you to turn the “trainer” into a model for an experienced pilot.

— Glider. The main external feature of radio-controlled gliders, like their full-sized counterparts, is the large wingspan (which can be more than twice the length of the fuselage). At the same time, unlike classic gliders, these models have engines; however, such an engine, usually, continuously operates only when climbing, and after that it can be turned on periodically, for a short time — a long wing allows you to glide over long distances without using engine thrust. Gliders are not suitable for active aerial acrobatics and are intended mainly for level flight with smooth turns. Howev...er, with certain tricks on such a machine, it is also possible to perform individual elements of aerobatics.

— Mini plane. Aircraft of small size, with a wingspan of less than 400 – 450 mm. This makes them easier to transport from place to place and easier to use indoors (although you still need quite a lot of space for flying — like a gym). At the same time, compact dimensions make it difficult to use advanced features, and most models in this category belong to the entry level and have basic functionality.

— Acrobatic plane(Fan Flyer). Models originally designed for complex and aerobatics. They are distinguished by advanced high-tech equipment, are not cheap and require good piloting skills.

— Seaplane. Models equipped with a float chassis. Usually, they use the water surface for takeoff and landing, as well as full-size seaplanes; at the same time, many models allow the replacement of floats with classic wheels and can even be equipped with interchangeable chassis. According to the specifics of the application, they can be similar to both models for beginners and fan flyers (see above).

— Jet aircraft. Models that mimic the appearance of a jet aircraft. At the same time, such machines are not necessarily equipped with jet engines — most often they have the same motors as propeller models, except that the propeller role is played not by a propeller, but by an impeller hidden in the body. The latter is one of the advantages of this option in light of the fact that the moving blades are protected from contact with surrounding objects (unlike open propeller blades), which makes the device safer and less sensitive to collisions.

— " Flying wing ". Models built according to the "flying wing" aerodynamic scheme. Such a scheme assumes the absence of a pronounced fuselage, as well as separate stabilizers with elevators — only wing elements are responsible for pitch control. The purpose of such models can be both entertaining and aerobatic, depending on the design features. However, for a number of reasons, they have not received much distribution.

— Biplane. Biplanes are called aircraft with two pairs of wings, usually located one above the other. Such devices have a number of advantages over monoplanes (aircraft with one pair of wings) — in particular, a large wing area with a smaller span. However, most of these advantages are more relevant for full-size aircraft than for scale models. Therefore, in radio-controlled vehicles, the biplane scheme is mainly used to create copies of real machines (in particular, during the First World War).

The model of the engine that the model is equipped with. This parameter allows you to find detailed information and refine the features of the engine, which can be especially useful for professional use.

In addition to the name, this paragraph can also specify the type of electric motor (see "Engine") installed in the machine — collector or brushless.

Collector motors are the most simple and affordable, have a small weight and are easily repaired; however, they have a relatively low efficiency, are prone to sparking, and do not "live" for very long. This option is typical for relatively inexpensive devices. Brushless motors, in turn, are more powerful, faster and more durable, but they are not cheap, and repairing such a motor on your own is an almost unrealistic task. They are used mainly in advanced models.

The model of the electronic speed controller (ESC) supplied with the aircraft. The maximum current for which such a regulator is designed is often used as the name of the model — for example, 40A.

ESC are modules that control the power supplied to the electric motor. At the same time, unlike regulators based on variable resistors, ESCs do not consume "extra" energy for heating, thus providing a much higher efficiency. In addition, the same unit is usually responsible for control in case of loss of communication with the console: usually, it turns off the motor and puts the servos in the “safe descent” position (planning in a spiral).

The current that the ESC can withstand must not be lower than the maximum current consumed by the electric motor — otherwise the regulator will fail, and most likely at maximum throttle, when it is most critical.

The number of servos that the model is equipped with.

Servo drives are responsible for the movement of mechanization elements (ailerons, stabilizers, rudder, etc.), providing control of the aircraft. Usually, their number corresponds to the number of radio communication channels (see below), however, it can be less (one servo drive can be responsible for two channels).

The stabilization system makes the behavior of the aircraft in the air more predictable and greatly simplifies control. Such machines stably keep on course, are less sensitive to wind gusts and vertical flows, and also do not require special control accuracy and “forgive” many mistakes to an inexperienced user, such as random small movements with a joystick. On the other hand, this feature reduces manoeuvrability and responsiveness. Therefore, it is relevant primarily in aircraft for beginners, gliders (see "Type") and models equipped with built-in cameras and require stability in flight for normal filming quality. But advanced fan flyers (see ibid.) may not be equipped with stabilization systems — in order to maintain maximum sensitivity and responsiveness of control.

The wing span is the distance from one extreme point of the wing to the other (in other words, the distance between the left and right tips). For biplanes (see "Type") with wings of different sizes, the largest span is indicated.

Long(relative to the fuselage) wings provide more lift and make it easier to fly in gliding mode (for example, with a failed engine). In addition, the aircraft is more stable — but also less agile. Another disadvantage of a long wing is its high drag, which requires a lot of engine power and makes it difficult to accelerate to high speeds. In light of all this, aerobatic models (both fanflyers and beginners, see "Type") typically have relatively small wingspans.

The total area of the wing (carrying surface) of the aircraft. This parameter is auxiliary and is used in fact for rather specific purposes — in particular, to calculate the wing load (see below), if it is not specified or the model has been modified, to select an aftermarket motor for the model, etc.

The capacity of the battery supplied with the aircraft.

Theoretically, the higher the battery capacity, the more energy it can store and the longer the battery life can be. However, theoretically, battery life also depends on the power (read — energy consumption) of the engine, and in fact, it also depends on the flight style, the intensity of manoeuvring and other situational factors. Therefore, it is worth focus not so much on the battery capacity as on more practical parameters — first of all, the same operating time stated in the specifications.

At the same time, capacity data can be useful in some calculations — for example, when estimating the battery life of a larger battery. With an increase in capacity, battery life, usually, grows proportionally: for example, if a 1.5 Ah battery gave 15 minutes of flight, then with a 3 Ah battery this figure can reach 30 minutes. However note that more capacious batteries weigh more; this is especially noticeable with a small weight of the aircraft.

Rated voltage of the battery supplied with the aircraft.

This parameter is selected by the manufacturers to provide the required motor and servo performance. Therefore, when buying and regular use, you can not pay special attention to it. In fact, voltage data is needed primarily when looking for a spare or replacement battery.