Fun with Remote Control Vehicles

The Best Remote Control Planes

Well, we’ve lumped them together as planes, but really they cover a fairly broad scope on this page – from ill-fated rockets to unmanned drones that could represent the future of the aviation industry. Even these choice examples don’t really cover the full scope of what’s possible with flying RC devices though; there’s always something new and crazy just around the corner.

Crazier than a rocket-powered X-Wing model? Hard to imagine, we know.

Rocket-Powered X-Wing
Source

Alas, the actual launch event turned out to be a bit of a letdown when this 21-foot long, rocket-powered X-Wing disintegrated fabulously – but that doesn’t make it any less cool. It's pictured here with the 11-strong construction team.

Prior to destruction the 1/2 scale model, which was built mostly out of aluminium and plywood, even included an R2D2 drone - though he was ultimately unable to save it from destruction.


RC Millenium Falcon
Source

There’s been a lot of rubbish toys and games spawned out of the Star Wars franchise, but we’ll let this one item slide, we think. After all, not all of us have the technical ability required to build a 21-foot long X-Wing – so, we’ll cope with this 11in Millenium Falcon instead.

That said, we somehow we doubt this will ever manage the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.



MQ-9 Reaper UAV
Source

UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are seeing increasing amounts of use in modern warzones and the MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most advanced models currently in use – that we know of.

Classed as a Hunter Killer unit, each Reaper costs around $10.5 million USD to make and carries a variety of weapons, from laser-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles.

NASA X-48B
Source

Developed jointly by NASA and Boeing, the X-48B is proof that not all UAVs are used for dropping bombs – it’s part of a new project to find more quieter and cleaner aircraft designs.

The X-48B, which uses a hybrid wing body, is merely a prototype of a larger vehicle and was retired earlier this year after 80 successful flights. Its successor, the X-48C, is currently preparing for test flights.



Parrot AR.Drone
Source

The Parrot AR.Drone should need no introduction at this point, but suffice to say it’s impressed us quite a bit despite a few practicality concerns. The lightweight drone is controlled by an iPhone or iPod touch and contains two cameras that are used for ‘augmented reality’ games, such as virtual dogfights.

Check out our AR.Drone review for more information.