Age
The minimum age for which this radio-controlled model is suitable. These recommendations are rather conditional, but it is still not recommended to deviate from them. "Adult" models 14+ with many adjustments, moving parts and power simply will not be able to master the baby. At the same time, models for the younger age category may not be interesting and boring for older children.
Main rotor diameter
Helicopter rotor(s) diameter. In fact, this parameter primarily determines the dimensions of the machine in the working position; this is especially true for three- and four-bladed models, where the propeller cannot be deployed along the fuselage, reducing the width of the space occupied (although the blades can be folded, which eliminates this drawback). Otherwise, the diameter of the rotor is of secondary importance: it is selected by the manufacturer in such a way as to provide features corresponding to the class of the machine, and it is worth focus primarily on the general purpose and price category of the helicopter, and not the size of the propeller.
Gyroscope
The presence of a gyroscope in the design of the helicopter.
A gyroscope is a module that tracks the position of a car in space and its movement. In radio-controlled helicopters, it is used to compensate for gusts of wind, failures in mechanisms and other factors that create minor interference in control: for example, if the movement of air knocked the helicopter off course, the gyroscope reacts to this and returns the car to its previous position. This feature makes the control smooth and smooth, which is especially important for cars of a low-cost class, where it is not possible to use high-quality (and, accordingly, expensive) mechanical equipment. And in some models, the gyroscope is also responsible for more advanced functions: automatic hold in place when hovering, flying in the opposite direction when the signal from the remote control is lost, etc. At the same time, such equipment may not be installed in professional flight models, since it tends to reduce responsiveness and control accuracy.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery supplied with the electric motor model (see "Motor"). Indicated only for variants using branded batteries (see "Battery type"), measured in ampere-hours: 1 Ah corresponds to the capacity at which the battery is capable of delivering a current of 1 A for 1 hour.
The higher the battery capacity, the more time the helicopter can spend in the air, usually. However, the practical time of operation on a charge is largely determined by other characteristics of the machine — dimensions and weight, engine model and power, etc. Therefore, in most cases, this parameter plays a purely reference role, and only helicopters that do not have any significant differences in other characteristics (and even then very approximately) can only be compared in terms of battery capacity.
Battery model
Model of the original battery (see “Battery type”) for which the helicopter is designed. Most often, such a battery is supplied with the device. Data on the battery model may be needed if it is out of order and needs to be replaced, when looking for a spare battery or when selecting a charger (usually, charging capabilities are already provided in the standard package, but it is possible that a separate device will be required).
Operating time
Operating time of an electric powered helicopter (see "Engine") on one battery charge or on one set of batteries. This parameter is rather conditional and approximate: it is usually indicated for optimal operating conditions, with a uniform low load on the engine (most often for hover mode), and when using replaceable cells — for high quality batteries. Accordingly, in fact, the operating time may differ markedly from that stated in the specifications. Nevertheless, this indicator quite reliably describes the battery life of the car, and different models can be compared according to it.
Built-in gun
The presence in the design of the
built-in gun. In modern radio-controlled helicopters, different types of guns are installed, which differ markedly from model to model. So, one of the most popular options is a spring-loaded "catapult" with plastic "shells" that imitate the launch of missiles; this enhances the similarity of the model with a real combat vehicle. Another option — an infrared LED and a set of photosensors — allows you to arrange dogfights between several vehicles. There are also helicopters with water sprayers, and even soap bubble generators — the last option in our catalog is also classified as a gun, although in fact it looks more like a simulated exhaust.
Dimensions (LxWxH)
General dimensions of the model. Note that the length and width are indicated only for the fuselage, excluding the main rotor. However, for ease of transportation, the blades are often made removable or folding.