Until fairly recently, Nitro (Nitromethane glycerine) was the preferred fuel for radio control helicopters. Gas turbine or petroleum were the other types of engine. It was possible to buy electric (battery) powered RC helicopters, but the run-time was of short duration and they were underpowered.
The advent of modern Lithium battery cells has changed all that. LiPo batteries are rechargeable, clean and efficient. Electric helicopters now have similar power and run-times to Nitro helicopters , and purists no longer “poo-poo” them at radio control air shows.
Although these other fuel sources continue to be popular, there are many reasons why RC electric helicopters are the best choice for many people. Petrol and Nitro engines are cumbersome two-stroke affairs that need priming and “breaking-in.” Electric helicopters, on the other hand, run on light brushless motors which are cheaper and less likely to go wrong. They are less costly, easier to repair and maintain, and far easier to fly. They make piloting accessible to total beginners of RC helicopter flying.
All micro choppers are electric powered. LiPo batteries have made indoor flying a reality, with modern micro machines among the most popular of all RC aircraft – especially with beginners. Prior to this, you could not fly a RC helicopter indoors. Besides the size problem, they give off fumes which can be dangerous.
Because electric helicopters are light, they are a lot safer. Consider this: in full flight, the rotor blades turn at over 200mph! The blades for non-electric craft are longer and of heavier construction than those of electric helicopters. In an accident they are potentially lethal. Because of their complicated flying action, crashes are common in RC helicopters, even when flown by experts. It is easy to see how dangerous an out-of-control rotor blade could be – and how a lighter, shorter blade can reduce this risk.
Electric helicopters are practically silent while Nitro and gas-powered are not. With modern development bringing helicopter flying closer and closer to houses, the noise aspect has become an important concern. Some councils insist on electric-only flying in urban areas. In Germany, non-electric RC shows are banned and of course, silent flying is essential indoors.
Safety to the public is an essential concern when flying outdoors. We have already seen how electric helicopters reduce the risk of serious injury. But in addition, there is less risk of damage to the craft itself. If a gas powered RC helicopter crashes, it can quite literally tear itself to pieces. The electric version on the other hand, is far more likely to be repairable. Indoors, micro choppers don’t crash into things – they bounce off them!
With even large, 6 channel electric helicopters available in RTF form, they are popular with beginners and professional pilots alike. With their ease of flight, low cost and environmental friendliness, there has never been a better time to discover this fascinating hobby.