Different types of RC aircraft

For RC aircraft hobbyist, especially for those who are just getting started, too many types of aircraft can make it difficult to decide. Here are a few examples of the aircraft type.

First,bear in mind that the most common rc aircraft types (airplanes and helicopters) can be scale, semi-scale and non-scale models. These three terms refer to the reality of the model; whether it replicates a real aircraft (scale) , is a close representation of a real aircraft (semi-scale) or is a completely made-up design (non-scale).There are plenty from each category to choose from these days, a reflection of the popularity of the hobby!

Then, they can be divided into three categories: (Fixed wing) Airplane ,Multi-rotor, Helicopter

• (Fixed wing) Airplane

Fixed-wing aircraft mainly need to consider the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. It has a long battery life and cannot take off vertically. Some of the more popular types are as follows:

1.Gliders 

Gliders are aircraft without motors. They are the simplest form of airplane and require the least number of accessories. With an rc glider you have to rely solely on the wind and/or thermals to keep the aircraft airborne. Flying from a slope is a popular way of rc gliding, and there are several methods of launch for flying from a flat field.

2.Powered gliders(Powered Sailplanes)

Powered gliders, also called e-soarers, are essentially gliders with electric motors. The propeller blades fold back when the motor is not in use, flat against the nose of the plane to reduce drag. Most powered gliders have the motor in the nose, but they can also have the motor on a fold-away pod on top of the fuselage, behind the wing.

Sailplanes are popular choices for electrically-powered planes since a relatively low amount of power is required to sustain flight.So they have long flight times of 10-20 minutes and more.

The most popular type of sailplane is the 2-meter (6.3 feet) class. This size of plane responds faster to control input than its larger siblings, and is easier to see at high altitudes and is more resistant to gusty wind conditions than smaller sailplanes. Powered 2-meter sailplanes are usually propelled with 05 class motors (100-200 watt).

So they don't need high-capacity batteries, like the 11.1V 2200mAh Lipo Battery is enough to meet their needs and for small Glider, a 3s 1000mah lipo with lighter weight is more suitable.

3.Vintage RC airplanes 

Vintage RC airplanes are also a popular subject, particularly with modellers who enjoy the traditional building side of the hobby as well as the flying side. Many classic designs date back to the late 1930s and 40s and are large in size. 3-channel radio and a 4-stroke engine make the best combination in vintage airplanes, and they are often slow, gentle flyers. Vintage planes are also known as Old Timers in some parts of the world, and you might also see them referred to as planes from the 'Golden Era' of aeromodelling.

4.RC floatplanes and seaplanes

The primary difference between rc floatplanes (& seaplanes) and land planes comes in the amount of drag they encounter.

On take off, rc land planes encounter very little drag when rolling along a smooth runway. But rc floatplanes encounter lots of drag as the floats try and cut their way through the water surface tension.
The amount of drag is relatively huge, until the floats start to ride on the surface of the water and the airplane 'planes' across the surface until it gets airborne. During the planing stage of the take off, the amount of drag is reduced significantly.
The same obviously goes for seaplanes. When the bulk of the hull is in the water there is excessive drag, which lessens considerably as the hull accelerates and eventually planes on the surface.

 5.Trainers

Trainers are available in many different sizes and shapes and count for a large sector of all rc aircraft. Ideally your first rc plane will be a trainer.
These planes are designed for 100-250 watt (05-15) motors and have wingspans of 3-5 feet. They generally fly somewhat faster than the typical sailplane, but still slowly enough for the novice to comprehend the situation and respond correctly. Trainers are generally high-wing planes with flat-bottom airfoils and plenty of dihedral for positive stability and high lift at low speeds. Most good trainers, if placed in an unusual or hazardous attitude, will recover on their own if there is sufficient alititude.

6.Sport and Aerobatic Planes

After mastering the basics of flight, many modelers seek planes that are less overtly stable than trainers and hence make better aerobatic planes. Sport Planes is make up a very large sector of all rc planes. They are the next step up from a trainer but can also be used for training purposes, particularly low-wing training. Sport airplanes can be any size or shape and are more capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers than trainers are. The majority of sport planes are mid or low wing, making them better for performing such maneuvers. High wing planes like trainers, generally speaking, are not that aerobatic.

7.Scale Models

Exact scale models of all varieties of civilian and military planes are also popular targets for model airplane enthusiasts. Details are easier to implement in larger models, so such planes tend to be above 5 feet in wingspan and have high power requirements (300+ watts). Civilian planes with light wing loadings, such as the classic J-3 Cub, and multiengine models as displayed above, are excellent electric flyers.

8.Warbirds

Warbirds have always been a popular rc aircraft subject; their classic lines and smooth flying characteristics make warbirds some of the nicest looking rc airplanes out there. The term warbird describes a wartime plane, notably from the First and particularly Second World War. The P-51 Mustang, Spitfire and Corsair F4U are classic examples. Not particularly suitable as an absolute first rc plane, although there are some RTF warbirds available that have been developed with the beginner in mind.

For most of airplane type, they are need different battery to power them , Ovonic provides variety of  lipo batteries for RC airplane.

• Helicopter

The helicopter model is the most advanced in the model and the most demanding type of control technology. It is very suitable for practicing the flying hand control skills, can fly a variety of movements, and the performance is very ornamental.

Many aeromodelling competitions are now the most popular and technically high in helicopter class.

Such models can be hovered and moved like full-size models - except for non-proportional capabilities such as reverse and amazing aerobatics. Due to the short flight time (almost impossible for the helicopter to taxi), there are few electric helicopters entering the market. Helicopter construction and maintenance are often more complex and costly.

Helicopters can be roughly divided into two types:

1. Single rotor helicopters

Single rotor helicopters count for a huge sector of the rc flying hobby. Like airplanes, they can be electric or IC powered. Electric helicopters have become very popular in recent years and some are easier to fly than others. IC helicopters are slightly more complicated because of the engine and clutch assembly. Learning to fly a multi-channel IC rc helicopter is a serious business, but ultimately very rewarding. Of course, the larger size (eg 700) electric rc helicopters are just as complex as IC ones, apart from the motor side of things, and can be just as expensive too.

2.Coaxial rc helicopters 

Coaxial rc helicopters are sometimes called contra-rotating or dual rotor helicopters. They have two main rotors, mounted one above the other, that spin in opposite directions to each other. This cancels out the torque force normally generated by a spinning single rotor, and so a tail rotor isn't required to counter any torque. This makes coaxial rc helicopters easier to fly and often more stable than a conventional helicopter.
Many beginner helicopters are coaxial.

• Multicopters（multi-rotor）

Multi-rotor is what we usually see four axis, six-axis and other aircraft.

A multicopter is a mechanically simple aerial vehicle whose motion is controlled by speeding or slowing multiple downward thrusting motor/propeller units.

MultiCopters are aerodynamically unstable and absolutely require an on-board computer (aka flight controller) for stable flight. As a result, they are “Fly by Wire” systems and if the computer isn’t working, you aren’t flying. The flight controller combines data from small on-board MEMs gyroscopes, accelerometers (the same as those found in smart phones) to maintain an accurate estimate of its orientation and position.