The technology in R/C Aviation has really made some tremendous strides over the years and has become less expensive than ever before. New technologies that were once just for commercial companies are now available for the home hobbyist are very reasonable prices. These have allowed R/C enthusiasts to develop new ways to continually create new ideas and methods to construct R/C models.
Radio control (RC) model technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to advancements in battery technology, flight controllers, transmitters, 3D printing, and autonomous flight. In this section, you will be provided you an overview of the latest developments in RC model technology, including new battery types, advanced flight controllers, autonomous flight, and more. You will also see some examples of popular RC models, such as airplanes, helicopters, quads, and drones, and get a description of the latest FPV gear. Finally, you will see an explanation of what remote ID is and how it can be added to older models.
Page Index:
New Battery Technology
Flight Controllers and Autopilots
Transmitters
3D Printing
Foam Board
Drones and Helicopters
FPV Gear
Autonomous Flight
Remote ID
New Battery Technology:
The development of new battery technologies has significantly improved the capabilities of RC models. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are currently the most commonly used type of battery in RC models due to their high energy density and lightweight. However, newer battery types such as Graphene-based batteries and Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries are starting to gain popularity in the RC community due to their increased energy density and longer lifespan.
Flight Controllers and Autopilots:
The use of flight controllers and autopilots has become increasingly common in RC models. These devices use sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to stabilize the model during flight and can also perform automated tasks such as hovering and return-to-home functions. Flight controllers such as the Betaflight and Cleanflight have become popular in the quadcopter and FPV communities, while autopilots such as the Pixhawk are commonly used in autonomous aerial vehicles.
Transmitters:
Transmitters are an essential part of RC model technology, as they allow the pilot to control the model wirelessly. Modern transmitters feature advanced features such as telemetry data, voice alerts, and programmable switches. Some popular transmitters include the FrSky Taranis X9D and the Spektrum DX6.
3D Printing:
The advent of 3D printing technology has revolutionized the RC model building process, allowing hobbyists to create custom parts quickly and easily. Foam board airplanes are particularly popular among 3D printing enthusiasts, as the foam board material is easy to work with and readily available.
Below is an example of a completely printed 3D R/C model airplane by one of our members.
Foam Board
A big influencer in recent years is a company called Flite Test. Here is a introduction to Flite Test:
Flite Test was created for people passionate about flight. Our hope is to encourage people to build and fly, engage, innovate and most importantly having a great time doing it. They are the dreamers and engineers that get a thrill from the first launch of a maiden flight. FliteTest personifies the veteran and the beginner alike, giving them a chance to share common experiences with others, in turn, enhancing the community. The goal is to develop a creative outlet that allows us to work in our passion daily. Flite Test is designed to empower our audience. It has just enough humor, technology and information to appeal to the RC flight crowd as a whole. We hope to entertain, educate and elevate our viewers as we move forward with quality content.
About Us section on Flite Test’s website
Josh Bixler – President
Stefan Ostergren – Partnerships Manager
Robert Dumea – Solution Architect
Jen Bixler – Warehouse Manager
Flite Test was instrumental in developing new methods of construction of R/C airplanes. One of those methods is the use of Dollar Tree Foam Board sheets. At the time of this writing, each sheet only costs $1.00. The idea behind using inexpensive build materials is that is is quick to build using common materials that you may already have such as hot glue, popsicle sticks, barbeque skewers, and rubber bands. When you crash or damage your airplane, you can either patch it using hot glue or salvage the electronics, throw away the foam, and just build a new one installing your original electronics. This way, you are not spending a lot of money on airplanes as you learn and grow. Below are some pictures of foam board build airplanes at different stages of build from some of our club members:
Flite Test also offers free build plans and has numerous build and fly videos! Here is a link to their build plans: https://www.flitetest.com/articles?grid=true#/textSearch=FTScratchBuild
Below is one of their build videos:
Drones and Helicopters:
Drones and helicopters are some of the most popular RC models, with a wide range of models available for both indoor and outdoor use. Some popular quadcopters include the DJI Mavic Air 2 and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. For those interested in helicopters, the Blade 230 S V2 and the Align T-Rex 600 are popular choices.
FPV Gear:
First-person view (FPV) gear has become increasingly popular in the RC community, allowing pilots to see what the model sees in real-time through a video feed transmitted from a camera on the model. Some popular FPV gear includes the Fat Shark Dominator HD3 goggles and the DJI FPV system.
Autonomous Flight:
The use of autonomous flight systems in RC models has become more common in recent years, with the development of advanced flight controllers and GPS systems. Autonomous flight allows models to perform tasks such as surveying, mapping, and inspection without the need for direct pilot input. Some popular autonomous flight systems include the Pixhawk autopilot and the Ardupilot software.
Remote ID:
Remote ID is a new requirement for all RC models weighing more than 250 grams in the United States. Remote ID is a system that allows authorities to identify and track RC models in real-time, providing greater safety and security. Remote ID can be added to older models through the use of a Remote ID module or through the installation of a compatible flight controller.
Conclusion:
The latest advancements in RC model technology have revolutionized the hobby, allowing for more sophisticated and capable models than ever before. From new battery technology to advanced flight controllers and autonomous flight systems, RC model enthusiasts have access to a wide range of cutting-edge tools and technologies. Popular RC models include drones, helicopters, quads, and foam board airplanes, with advanced features such as FPV gear and autonomous flight capabilities. To comply with new regulations, RC modelers can also add Remote ID to older models to ensure greater safety and security. With the continued development of new technologies, the future of RC model technology is sure to be exciting and filled with even more advanced features and capabilities.