Radio control helicopter models info

How Radio Control Helicopter Models Fly
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If you're interested in flying
radio control helicopter models,

the first things to learn are how the helicopter works and how components work together to achieve flight.

The motions of RC helicopter models are classified into two types: cyclic and collective. Cyclic motions are lateral movements including forward, backward, left, and right. Collective motion is basically the up and down movement of the helicopter.

The parts of radio control helicopter models that seem to distinguish it from most other types of remote control vehicles are the main rotor blades. These are the blades on top of the helicopter that spin and angle to control motion. Just about anyone who thinks of a helicopter thinks of these components first. And rightfully so!

Changing the angle of these spinning blades controls much of the motion of the helicopter. Changing the angle of both blades at the same time causes collective motion. Changing the angle of an individual rotor blade causes cyclic motion, the direction depending on how the blade is angled.

The main rotor blades of radio control helicopter models are connected to the rotor head, the component in between them that spins, which is in turn connected to both the swash plate and the main shaft.

The main shaft is the rod responsible for the rotation of the rotor head and the main rotor blades. The swash plate, which is located below the rotor head, is responsible for the angling of the main rotor blades. Part of the swash plate is stationary, connected to the main body of the helicopter, while the other part is connected to the rotor head and rotates.

The swash plate transfers motion to the rotor head through pitch control rods. These rods move in response to changes in the swash plate and angle the rotor blades accordingly. All of these components working together control the flight of the helicopter.

Another important part of the radio control helicopter models relating to these controls is the gyro, or gyroscope. When the engine transfers energy to the rotor head and main rotor blades, causing them to turn, the natural reaction of the main body of the helicopter, the fuselage, is to turn in the opposite direction.

The tail rotor blades rotate to exert force in a sideways direction that keeps this from happening. How does the tail rotor know when to exert this force and how much to exert? Thats where the gyro comes in.

The gyro takes feedback from how the pilot is controlling the helicopter and how the helicopter is turning. If it determines the sideways spinning motion occurring is not being called for by the pilot, the gyro employs the tail rotor to react to keep the helicopter in the desired position.

Now that you have the basics of radio control helicopter models flight, youll know part what youre looking at when you select your model. Youll also know the basics of movement, which will go a long way in learning to control your helicopter.