Radio Control Terms
As you probably can imagine there are a very large variety of radio control airplanes available. Here is an overview of the different types that we sell.
ARF = Almost Ready to Fly. These airplane kits are for builders who enjoy putting together the model before flying. Most of the kits do not include a radio system and in most cases a motor or battery pack. An ARF kit is designed for an experienced modeler who already has the radio and other equipment needed to complete the kit.
Tip: You can easily identify an ARF kit on our website because you will see a description that states what additional equipment you will need to complete the kit.
RTF = Ready to Fly. These airplane kits include everything needed to fly. There is still some minor assembly required or the kit would not fit in the box we ship it in. However most RTF kits can be completed very easy and in 10 to 15 minutes.
Gas - Nitro - Electric? Radio control airplanes, cars, and boats fall under one of these three categories.
Electric models use new technology batteries that allow the radio control model to be run anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes on a charge. The typical charge time for an electric model is between 25 to 45 minutes with a quick charger and 2 to 3 hours with a slow charger.
Gas models run on regular car gas with a mixture of oil mixed in with the gas. These models use motors that are expensive, but there is a trade off because money is saved on fuel.
Nitro models run on fuel called Nitro or Nitro-Methane. This fuel burns very hot and fast, and is used in lower cost "gas" airplane engines. Nitro fuel is measured by the percentage of nitro methane in the fuel. 10 to 15% is best for nitro powered planes, boats, and cars. 20% nitro is best for cars and boats. Nitro fuel is very expensive (around $25 to $30 a gallon) but lasts a long time. A typical nitro powered model holds between 11 to 15 ounces of fuel and depending on how the model is operated will last 15 to 30 minutes. A gallon of fuel provides hours of run time.
1, 2, or 3 channel? When you see our product descriptions you might read about a model such as an airplane having 2 or more channels. A channel is simply a control feature on a radio. For example a 2 channel radio will most likely control speed and steering (left or right) on the model. Most cars and boats are two channel because speed and steering is all that is needed for control. A 3 channel radio will most likely control and aircraft. 3 channel radios cover steering, throttle, and up down control. As a model gets more complex it will use a radio that has even more channels.
Red Rocket Hobby Shop Radio Control Gift Guide - Department Listings
Radio Controlled Airplanes - Ready to Fly
Click here to visit our Radio Controlled Airplane Gift Guide
Radio Controlled Helicopters - Ready to Fly
Click here to visit our Radio Controlled Helicopter Gift Guide
Radio Controlled Boats - Ready to Run
Click here to visit our Radio Controlled Boat Gift Guide
Radio Control Cars - Ready to Run
Click here to visit our Radio Controlled Cars and Trucks Guide
