Fun with RTF RC Electric Helicopters

The EFlite Blade Helicopter Some all-new rtf rc electric helicopters were recently welcomed by Radio Control pilots, including the eFlite Blade from Horizon Hobby. Coming as a ready to fly (RTF) helicopter, this little gem has redefined RTF helis. When you open the attractively illustrated box/carrying case, you will feast your eyes on a package that includes the helicopter, with motor, servos, gyro, battery and even a transmitter (on 72 MHz no less!)! And all this for about $219.00!

You simply need 8 AA batteries for the radio and it comes pre-adjusted, tested and actually ready to fly! And fly it will! Mine even had enough charge in the battery to get airborne. In fact, the instructions tell you to fly first, and then recharge your flight battery. If you’ve never flown rtf rc electric helicopters, then get the training gear – outriggers to prevent tipping over – only about $10 added and well worth it.

This is a full collective helicopter, meaning that the pitch of the blades is adjusted in flight and is coupled to the throttle. Furthermore, it is a CCPM edition, which couples three servos for high efficiency flight operation. There are any number of performance upgrades available, however most users say that the heli flies just great right out of the box. When you get into really aggressive aerobatic stunts you can add carbon symmetrical blades and more power with a LiPo battery and an upgraded motor.

An unusual feature of the Blade is the 4-in-1 radio control receiver which provides a CCPM servo mixer, gyro and throttle (ESC) combining all these functions into one matchbox-sized package. Hovering and forward flight is easy to learn with the Blade, but it is a no-wind machine, best flown indoors or in dead-calm conditions, like most rtf rc electric helicopters.

These rtf rc electric helicopters packages are also available under the eFly label as the Hummingbird and recently appeared on the Hobbytron site as the Humblebee. All versions are in the same price range, but you can buy a cheaper stripped model with no electronics for under $100 from some vendors.

Locally, our last month’s RC Club meeting broke all sorts of traditions, with no less than three Blades in attendance and with two indoor flying demonstrations! Get in on the fun, buy a Blade and turn off the TV!

Indoor and Outdoor Helicopters