RC aircraft starter kit models take center stage

RC aircraft factories are beefing up basic designs to increase the selection’s marketability.China makers of hobby-grade RC aircraft are concentrating R&D efforts on beginner’s models.Considering buyers remain budget-conscious despite the gradual economic recovery, manufacturers are keen on strengthening the quality and performance of these toys in the low end and midrange.In line with this initiative, suppliers are incorporating new materials to enhance durability. For instance, fiberglass and carbon fiber are now employed in the fuselage rather than metal alloys or plastic. This not only improves impact resistance but also increases flexibility.Moreover, factories are upgrading speed controllers to 40A and above variants. These have better heat-dissipating qualities that will help prolong the unit’s life span.To boost flying time, companies are adopting large-capacity 2,200 to 3,000mAh batteries. RC helicopters with 3D maneuvers running on 2,200mAh power cells are said to operate three to four minutes longer than those incorporating regular 2,000mAh kinds. The latter lasts only two to three minutes in the air.Further, these starter models come with 4 to 6-channel transmitters. Some designs are also capable of moving forward, backward, up, down, left, right and even upside-down.Alternatively, a few specialized makers continue to create high-end versions, leveraging advanced features to justify elevated prices. Most releases are gasoline-powered and built larger to accommodate oil reserve requirements.Quoted above $100, the units can perform flight tricks and simulate realistic action. Products & PricesChina-manufactured hobby-grade RC aircraft are available in RC airplane and RC helicopter models. These are further classified into battery-, nitromethane- and gasoline-powered designs.Most planes have fixed wings and operate on three to six frequencies. Those with three channels can accelerate, and move up and down, while units capable of 4-channel transmission boast aileron controls for side-rolling motion. Moreover, 6-channel toys come with added features such as landing and spraying functions.The RC aircraft are available in plastic or wood. The first is often in EPS, EPP or EPO, and measures 50 to 80cm long. The majority is battery-powered and priced from $50 to $400. Gasoline and nitromethane models start at $150.Wooden releases adopt balsa, pine, paulownia or plywood. The toys are usually heavier and larger, spanning at least 80cm. A good number run on nitromethane or gasoline.Read the full report at Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.