A quadcopter or quads is a form of aircraft with four rotating rotors which are used for commercial and recreational purposes. There are two general types of quadcopters namely the single-engine and the multi-engine. The first type is for sports and hobby, where maximum flight distance is sought; whereas, the second type is used in applications requiring more endurance. A typical quadcopter is made up of a fuselage (the outer most component) and a control platform, which can be either fixed or flexible.
Quadcopter are generally powered by one or two major types of batteries. The most popular ones are those based on lithium polymer, high volt lead acid and the high capacity deep cycle battery. In addition, there are hybrid varieties that can fly longer distances than other types, and they also feature smart flight modes that allow them to recover lost flight time. The throttle is usually set by means of a remote control, although some models may also use a few external switches and levers. In a few instances, the throttle can be activated internally through the aircraft’s computer system. Flight time can be extended by means of a variable resistor, an electronic speed controller or by varying a set of battery parameters.
The control platform in most helicopters is controlled electronically and is generally considered a “flight simulator” as it simulates natural flight environments. This enables the user to fine tune the performance of the machine, without having to risk losing complete control. This is in part, due to the fact that most RC helicopters are operated by the human body and since the controls can only move so much, there is always a danger that the user might not be able to fine tune the machine enough to attain the right setting. A good example is when trying to accelerate or decelerate the speed of the blades.
Due to the overall weight of the RC model, complexity of flighting can be greatly reduced and more realistic settings can be implemented without the need for sophisticated hardware. As with many other RC toys, the simplest form is still the most popular. In the case of quadcopters, this is usually a brushless motor powered helicopter with an aluminum or carbon fiber body or a combination of two materials. A main advantage of this type of machines is their relative ease of setup. They can also offer agility, high torque and longer flight times over an equal sized electric engine.
The first thing to consider when looking at quad copters is how many ways are possible at any given time. The more the number of propellers, the less stable they will be. The larger the number of propellers the more stable they become. In general, a single rear wheel drive helicopter (RTF) is capable of holding its own against most flyers of a similar size. A lightweight four motors makes this possible. The more expensive versions can achieve speeds up to seventy kilometers per hour.
Next to propellers, the main reason for the presence of a rotor is to provide lift to the aircraft. In order to do this, the rotor has to have enough strength to rotate. Depending on the application, either extension or theilerons can be used. Extang designs use extension wings which are held in position by a spring loaded control shafts. They are often combined with landing wheels for greater stability. On the other hand, Inland designs use cantilever rudders which are fixed in place.
For maximum lift performance, counter-rotating rotors are generally used. There are two kinds of counter-rotating rotors, either vertical or horizontal. For some applications, such as helicopter landing, the use of counter-rotating rotors may be preferred. Vertical rotors are normally mounted on top of the rotor shafts. They have the advantage that they can counter-rotate without moving the blades which results in minimal wake turbulence.
Although a remote control model helicopter may look similar to a glider, a remote control model helicopter has four rotors and can move faster than any typical glider. Remote control helicopters are ideal for indoor hobbyists as well as extreme hobbyists and for use in hobby competitions. The best way to control a remote control quadcopter is to learn how to fly a remote control helicopter and practice until you have mastered the technique. You will also need a variety of spare parts.