If you’re like me, then perhaps you’re just learning about drones and their growing popularity. You may already know that they are taking the world by storm with their advancing technology and amazing light show displays! But, have you ever heard of RC helicopters? If not, then I encourage you to read this article to learn some fascinating information on how these mini helicopters compare to drones.
What is the difference between a drone and a RC helicopter? A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is flown autonomously by on-board computers. A RC helicopter is a model aircraft that is radio-controlled. Both are designed for commercial and recreational use with drones currently exceeding in popularity and advancement.
Now that you know the difference between drones and RC helicopters, let’s keep going and discuss how they work, what they’re used for and which is the better (easier to fly) option, especially for beginners. So, if you are ready to dive right in and learn more about drones and RC helicopters, then please continue reading…
How Does a Drone Work?
A Drone (or quadrotor) is basically an unmanned ‘flying robot’ that can be remotely-controlled via a ground cockpit system on a PC or a remote controller. It can fly autonomously (without the aid of a human pilot inside the aircraft) using waypoint navigation software and onboard GPS.
Drones are made out of light, composite materials that increase their maneuverability while at the same time making them strong enough to withstand high speeds and altitudes. These material also aid in both vibration absorption and noise reduction. The sensors and onboard navigations systems are contained in centre of the aerial vehicle.
A drone has four arms, which is why it is also referred to as a quadcopter. A propeller is attached to each arm. It is set in motion by four rotors, two moving clockwise and two moving counter clockwise. It is aerodynamically unstable and requires a flight computer to change the RPM’s of the propellers, converting input commands into desired directions. SOURCE.
Drones can move in any direction (at speeds up to eighty miles per hour) for ten to twenty minutes at a time with the capacity to hover in one place! They are used mainly for aerial surveillance, motion picture film-making, disaster relief and recreational use.
How Does a RC Helicopter Work?
A RC helicopter is a model aircraft that is radio-controlled. It differs from an RC airplane in both construction and aerodynamics. There are several designs based on maneuverability. The more maneuverable the design, the harder it is to fly!
RC helicopters fly essentially the same way as full-sized helicopters but are controlled from the ground instead of inside the aircraft. A ‘stick’ (cyclic pitch control), a ‘lever’ (collective pitch control) and the throttle allow RC helicopter ground pilots to perform maneuvers such as spinning, hovering or flying backwards! It takes a great amount of practice and skill to fly these model aircrafts, as opposed to other aerial vehicles.
RC helicopters can fly anywhere from seven to fifteen twelve minutes at a time and can reach speeds of up to one hundred miles per hour, averaging around forty-five to sixty miles per hour. They are often used for low-altitude aerial photography, filming, inspection or observation.
Are Drones Easier to Fly than Helicopters?
Generally speaking, quadcopters are more stable than helicopters and therefore, easier to fly. This is usually why drones are chosen for aerial photos or videos instead of RC helicopters. With increased stability, there is better control over the device, thus making it easier to maneuver and control.
RC helicopters tend to ‘lose their balance’ and tilt to one side. This makes flying them harder than they already are, in most cases! Aerial flight skills must be practiced (and developed) in order to navigate a RC helicopter, making them more difficult for beginners to fly.
Drone or Helicopter for Beginners?
On average, drones seem to be better at the entry level. Beginners usually find them easier to control than RC helicopters. They are wider in size and well-balanced overall, making them easier to handle.
There are many options to choose from online at Amazon.com. A good one to look into for novice flyers is the Syma X5C-1 Remote Control Quadcopte on Amazon*. It is affordable, has an on-board camera and a blast to fly! Best of all, it is ready to go, straight out of the box! Its larger size makes it stable and easy to handle. It has an overall rating of 4/5 and a real bargain at under $50! Go online and check it out today!
Which RC Helicopter is best for Beginners?
The best RC helicopters for beginners are the coaxial types. These are also called dual-rotor or contra-rotating helicopters. They are more stable than other ‘helis’ and therefore, easier to fly.
There are a variety of coaxial RC helicopters options available online at Amazon. The Syma S107/S107G* is one such option. It is affordable, fits in the palm of your hand and arrives ready to go, no assembly required! It is fun and easy to maneuver, great for pilots of all skills levels. It is rated over 4.3/5 for beginners and a steal at under $25! Why not go online and check it out!
Why Choose a Drone?
Quadcopters are by far the most popular drones available on the market today. The reasons they are chosen (over RC helicopters) include the following:
- Drones are user-friendly and easier to fly, at the beginner level.
- Drones have better stability and can carry payloads easier.
- Drones are better suited to aerial photography and filmography.
- Drones are easier to repair or replace when damaged or broken.
- Drones can perform aerobatics easily and lend themselves better to ‘stunts’ and ‘tricks’.
- Drones provide a plethora of choices that are affordable and convenient.
Why Choose a RC Helicopter?
RC helicopters have, in fact, been around longer than drones, however, they are not a popular. The reasons they are often chosen (instead of drones) include the following:
- RC helicopters are less complicated and easier to maintain.
- RC helicopters usually do not offer autonomous flight functions and therefore you, the operator, is in complete control of the device at all times.
- RC helicopters can take off much easier from uneven ground levels.
- RC helicopters respond quicker to commands.
- RC helicopters are more fun because of the ‘hands-on’ approach to flying that they provide.
- RC helicopters can usually fly faster and last longer.
The choice between drones and RC helicopters depends upon your needs and personal preferences. Each has its own set of attributes, lending itself to specific uses. The information in this article (as well as further online research) will help you make the best, most informed choice before purchasing.
Which is Better (Drones or RC Helicopters) for Taking Photos and Videos?
It is widely accepted that drones are better than RC helicopters at aerial photography and filmography. This is likely due to their stability, which not only makes them easier to fly, but easier to control and direct as well. This makes them ideal for both commercial and recreational photo and/or video use.
Drones are revolutionizing the movie industry today with their amazing aerial photo and video abilities. For example, the Hollywood blockbuster Skyfall (a James Bond film starring Daniel Craig in 2012) used drones to capture the intense motorcycle sequence in a highly-popular chase scene. It was the first major motion picture to ever use drones for up-close action scenes!
Since then, other blockbusters including Jurassic World (2015) and the ever-popular HBO series Game of Thrones have used drones to film scenes. As drone technology continues to advance, one can expect many more photographers and filmmakers to expand their aerial creativity and push the limits of their artistic craft.
Conclusion
In conclusion,a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle which is controlled by a computer and specifically-designed software applications. A RC helicopter is a model aircraft that is radio-controlled and command-operated. Both are designed for commercial and recreational use with drones currently exceeding in technological advancement.
As we have learned from this article, drones and RC helicopters each have their own unique attributes, which set them apart from each other. Drone enthusiasts often prefer quadcopters for their amazing aerial photo and video-taking abilities. Heli-flyers often choose the radio-controlled models to develop and improve their aerial flight skills.
In the end, the best choice between the two depends solely upon your needs and personal preferences. Hopefully this article has helped you better understand the difference between drone and RC helicopters. Good luck in your future aerial endeavors!
Sources for this Article
https://www.dronzone.com
https://www.dronesetc.com
https://3dinsider.com
*Affiliate Link to Amazon