page_title: Radio-controlled aircraft
section_title: 3D planes
hierarchical_section_title: Radio-controlled aircraft / Types / 3D planes
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Ferngesteuertes Flugzeug in der Luft. Das Flugmodell einer mx2 hat eine Spannweite von 121cm und wiegt ca. 960g. English: RC model aircraft in the air. This is a model of an mx2 with a wingspan of 121cm and a weigth of app. 960g.
context_page_description: A radio-controlled aircraft is a small flying machine that is controlled remotely by an operator on the ground using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmitter communicates with a receiver within the craft that sends signals to servomechanisms which move the control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter. The control surfaces, in turn, affect the orientation of the plane.
  Flying RC aircraft as a hobby grew substantially from the 2000s with improvements in the cost, weight, performance and capabilities of motors, batteries and electronics. A wide variety of models and styles is available.
  Scientific, government and military organizations are also using RC aircraft for experiments, gathering weather readings, aerodynamic modeling and testing. Distinct from recreational civilian aeromodeling activities, Unmanned aerial vehicle or spy planes add video or autonomous capabilities, are used for public service or commercial purposes, and if in the service of a nation's military, may be armed.
context_section_description: 3D flight is a type of flying in which model aircraft have a thrust-to-weight ratio of more than 1:1 (typically 1.5:1 or more), large control surfaces with extreme throws, low weight compared to other models of same size and relatively low wing loadings. Simply put, 3D flight is the art of flying a plane below its stall speed (the speed at which the wings of the plane can no longer generate enough lift to keep the plane in the air).
  These elements allow for spectacular aerobatics such as hovering, 'harriers', torque rolling, blenders, rolling circles, flat spins, and more; maneuvers that are performed below the stall speed of the model. The type of flying could be referred to as 'on the prop' as opposed to 'on the wing', which would describe more conventional flight patterns that make more use of the lifting surfaces of the plane.
  3D has created a huge market for electric indoor 'profile' types similar to the Ikarus 'Shockflyers' designed to be able to fly inside a gym or outside in little wind. These generally make use of small brushless motors (often outrunners, but also geared inrunners) and lithium polymer batteries (Li-Po). There are also many larger 3D designs designed for two and four stroke glow engines, two stroke gas engines and large electric power systems.
caption: Model of an mx2, a 3D aerobatic aircraft with a wingspan of 121 cm.
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