Control Line Engines

Cox RR-1

The engine pictured above is an original Cox RR-1.  This very rare control line engine originated in 1956.  Its production run ended in 1965.  The RR-1 was manufactured in two different color schemes.  One scheme has a silver crankcase with a blue, anodized tank.  This was the design of the first series of the Cox RR-1 engines.  The other, as depicted in the picture above, has a yellow crankcase with the same blue, anodized tank.  What makes this engine so unique is the grooved lines you see on the front of the crankcase and on the tank.  The RR-1 engine is highly sought after by collectors.

Although we do not use control line engines in radio control, they are worth mention as they are very similiar to another extremely popular propulsion system used in our hobby, the nitro, or glow powered engine.

Nitro (Glow) Powered Engines

Super Tigre G-60 Blue Head

What you see pictured above is a Super Tigre G-60 Blue Head ABC engine.  This engine was made in Italy and is very powerful for its size.  The G-60 was very popular for use in pattern aircraft  in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  The G-60 Blue Head is becoming very popular with collectors.  An engine this size will produce approximately 1.8 horsepower at 16,000 rpm.

This is one of many “nitro” engines.  Nitro engines, otherwise refered to as glow powered engines, are very popular with radio control pilots due to their reliability, ease of operation and low purchase price.  Glow powered engines operate on a mixture of nitromethane, methanol and oil for lubrication.  They are very similar to diesel engines in the aspect that they do not require a continous spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture.  Once the engine is running, the “glow” plug temperature remains high enough to continually ignite the incoming fuel without the need for an external ignition system.

Gas Engines

Zenoah G-62

The Zenoah G-62 is a 62cc displacement, 2- cycle, gas engine.  This engine, in particular, is a good fit for most large scale warbirds.  The engine in the picture above is equipped with a Pitts style muffler and an aluminum True Turn spinner.  The G-62’s peak operating range is roughly 7,000 to 8,000 rpm.  At this speed, it will produce approximately 5 horsepower.

Gas engines are also quite popular with radio control pilots.  Although more complex and more expensive to purchase, the overall operating expense of a gasoline engine can be considerably lower than that of a glow engine without a loss in reliability.  Most gas engines operate on a mixture of unleaded gasoline, the same as you would put in your car or truck, and 2-cycle engine oil, such as that which you might use in your weed eater.  Gas engines tend to be suitable for use mostly in larger scale aircraft due to their overall weight and the amount of power they are capable of producing.   

Turbines 

Turbine Engine

One of the most exciting and powerful propulsion systems available is the turbine engine.  Turbines used in our radio controlled models utilize concepts that are very similar to the jet engines you would find in military jet fighters or commercial jet aircraft.  Due to their cost, complexity and the piloting skills required to safely fly a turbine powered model, turbine models tend to be rather sparce in most locations.

If you desire to fly a radio controlled, turbine powered aircraft at any chartered A.M.A. airfield, you will also need to possess a turbine waiver.  A turbine waiver is essentially a license that indicates you possess the knowledge and piloting skill necessary to safely operate jet aircraft.

Electric Motors 

Electric Motor, Speed Controller & Battery

Even just a handful of years ago, electric flight was simply too expensive for the average radio controlled aircraft enthusiast to afford.  With advancements in electric power systems, this venue has become affordable to almost everyone.  Battery powered propulsion systems exist in aircraft of all shapes and sizes.  They can be found in anything ranging from aircraft for use indoors, “park flyers” available at popular retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target to giant scale airplanes, as well as helicopters of all sizes.  Electric motors boast the highest degree of reliability and ease of operation.  There is no need for fuel.  Simply turn on the transmitter, plug the battery into the aircraft and fly.

Check these links out:
1. Great Planes Suggested Engines & Radio Systems
2. O.S. Engines
3. SuperTigre Engines
4. YS Engines
5. Saito Engines
6. Zenoah Engines
7. Fuji-Imvac Engines
8. Desert Aircraft Engines