A radio controlled aircraft is a model airplane that is controlled remotely by an operator who sends commands to the aircraft via radio waves. The onboard electronics decode the signals and move control surfaces via electric motors, comparable to a human operator who moves the rudder, ailerons, and elevator with cables and pushrods in a full-scale aircraft. Examples of the control surfaces in use are shown in videoclips on the right. Link to information on the plane.

The videoclips use the Apple Quicktime plugin. You can download the free plugin from Apple.com. (Download now)

* Questions? You can e-mail Teryn at: teryn@grc.nasa.gov

Ailerons - This videoclip shows the use of the aileron control surfaces as Teryn flies the plane in a vertical roll. This is a 2.1 mb Quicktime file with background sounds.
Elevator - This videoclip shows the use of the elevator control surface as Teryn maneuvers the plane through a loop. This is an 800k Quicktime file with the sound of the plane's engine. Link to another version.
Rudder - This videoclip shows the use of the rudder control surface as Teryn holds the plane in front of the camera and swings the tail left and right (yaw). This is a 2.1 mb Quicktime file with no sound.
FreeStyle - This videoclip shows the use of all the control surfaces as Teryn does some freestlye flying with the plane. This is a 12 mb Quicktime file with no sound.
The Catch - This videoclip shows Teryn's signature move, in which he catches the plane in flight. This is a 2.4 mb Quicktime file with the sound of clapping at end of the stunt. Link to another version.

Note: Audio on these clips provides background noise or the sound of the plane engine. No verbal message is being given.

For information on constructing or flying remote controlled aircraft, visit The Academy of Model Aeronautics, a national association for the builders and flyers of model aircraft.

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