Model airplanes are exact replicas of the various real airplanes that fly in the skies. These airplanes are powered by an engine that runs on gas or battery or electricity and some even use jet propulsion for the required power. These planes are normally made up of balsa wood, plywood or may be even composite fiber.



An important aspect to be considered, while designing these planes is the aerodynamic effect their shape would have on their flight quality. It is also very important to consider the center of gravity for the entire body of the plane, to enhance flight quality.

The plane is controlled using a remote control. The remote control of the model airplane is similar to the remote control of a T.V. or music System or even a R.C. car. However, these remote controls use infrared waves, while model airplanes use radio waves. When flying the R.C. plane, the remote control acts as a transmitter, which sends radio waves.

A regular airplane depends on the airfoil components of its wings, to help in taking off with the forward motion. Thrust or push is essential, to make the airplane fly and move forward, as this has to be achieved against the wind direction and drag. It is only, when you can get more power against the gravitational pull and drag that your plane will fly. Location of the airplanes wings is essential for its flight. To make it stable, the wings can be designed a little on the higher side, as this would make the bottom of the aircraft heavier and give it better stability. If the wings are placed a little lower, it gives better maneuverability, as the weight is concentrated on the top of the aircraft.

To fly a plane, the aerodynamics is very important. This is where the wings come into play, as they have to get past the gravity and power the lift. It has to be greater than the airplanes weight, in order to help it take off the ground. This cannot be achieved, when the plane is stationary. It needs to get the thrust to move the wings forward, thereby creating the lift. The thrust created also depends on the wing surface, which is calculated in ounces per sq. foot. A light wing is recommended for beginners, as it can be controlled better than planes with heavier wings. The drag depends on the wing thickness. A thicker wing is for slower speeds and a lighter wing for racing and aerial acrobatics.

Dihedral is the angle of the wings, when tilted upwards from the body of the plane. This help in the stability of the plane, when in motion.

The engine of a conventional remote controlled plane is a two stroked engine, that uses glow fuel to power it. There are four stroke engines as well. Engine that use electrical power does not emit smoke and is relatively clean and silent. The range for a remote controlled plane is roughly a mile, which is good enough to be exciting and thrilling flying it.