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RC ERA helicopters
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
RC ERA has become one of the most popular names for beginner helicopters because its models look like real helicopters and are genuinely easy to fly. If you want something that looks like an MD500 or a Jet Ranger and hovers itself while you learn, this is where to look.
RC ERA in brief
RC ERA is a Chinese maker of small ready-to-fly scale helicopters. Every model is flybarless and aileronless with a 6-axis gyro and barometric altitude hold, so the helicopter holds its height when you centre the throttle stick. Some models add an optical-flow sensor that looks at the ground and holds the helicopter's position.
Status (checked October 2026): trading, with a wide range at Model Helicopters UK.
The range
UK prices October 2026; models move in and out of stock.
| Model | Scale of | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A60 Mini | Bell 206 | £54 to £60 | Smallest and cheapest |
| C138 Jet Ranger | Bell 206 | £80 | 306mm rotor, 6 channels, one-key take-off and landing |
| C184 | MD500 | £80 | 256mm rotor, brushed motors, optical flow |
| C186 | BO105 | £80 to £100 | 256mm rotor, 2S |
| EC135 | Airbus EC135 | £80 | |
| C032 | UH-1 Huey | £100 to £110 | |
| C170 | Apache | £150 | |
| C189 | MD500 (1:28) | £190 to £200 | Twin brushless, 2S 1200mAh, optical flow, about 15 minutes |
| C190 | EC145 (1:30) | £190 | Twin brushless, optical flow |
Note that the model numbers don't follow the subject: the C186 is a BO105 and the C190 is an EC145.
What they do well
- Easy hovering. Altitude hold takes away the hardest part of learning to hover. Our guide to how to hover an RC helicopter still applies, but it comes faster.
- Realism. Scale bodies look far better than a typical beginner helicopter.
- Indoor and calm outdoor flying. The small models are fine in a large room; see flying RC helicopters indoors.
Their limits
- No aerobatics. They're fixed pitch, built for gentle scale flying.
- Wind. The small brushed models struggle in anything more than a light breeze.
- Durability. Scale bodies crack in hard crashes. Buy spare blades and a spare body if you can.
Who RC ERA suits
A first single-rotor helicopter for adults or older children, especially anyone who likes scale models. For a full comparison with Blade, Syma and others, see best RC helicopters for beginners and best RC helicopters for kids.
Compare with Blade for a more hobby-focused route, or Syma for cheaper toys. All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by RC ERA.
Frequently asked questions
Are RC ERA helicopters good for beginners?
Yes. Altitude hold and self-levelling make them some of the easiest single-rotor helicopters to fly, and the scale bodies look great.
Can RC ERA helicopters fly outdoors?
The smaller models fly outdoors in calm conditions. The larger twin-brushless models such as the C189 MD500 cope with a light breeze better.
Do RC ERA helicopters have GPS?
No. Some models use an optical-flow sensor to hold position over the ground, but none has GPS or return-home.