Do you want your radio controlled jet airplane to look, sound and fly just like the real thing ? - of course you do.

Nothing is more thrilling than the sight of an rc jet plane cutting through the air at high speed, climbing, diving, rolling and looping just like it's full sized counterpart. Let me say, straight away, that rc jets are not for the beginner - they are just too quick !

Learn to fly rc planes using an inexpensive, strong 2 channel model with a conventional electric motor before thinking about jets.

O.K., lets assume you are a reasonably competent rc flyer and want to try jets, but which type ?

You might read elsewhere about pusher jets. These are, in my opinion, not jets at all. The planes design may be jet-like but it uses a conventional engine using a propeller. The only thing different about it is that the motor is mounted at the rear of the plane and, therefore, pushes the model instead of pulling it through the air as happens with an engine in the nose.

Next we have turbine jets. These are indeed jets, using fuel similar to real jets, that is compressed and ignited creating a lot of power. Models powered with turbines can reach speeds of 150 m.p.h. and more. Fabulous to watch and control but strictly for the very experienced flyer. Anything flying at these speeds has the potential to cause a lot of damage. Depending on where you live, you may find that you need a licence to fly a turbine jet or they may be banned altogether in your area.

Here is the answer.

Three inventions have put flying realistic rc jets within every ones reach.

1.  Lightweight and strong materials that make models far more crash resistant.
2.  Powerful, brushless electric motors.
3.  Batteries that are both powerful and light.

A true jet has a buried engine. In other words the motor sits in a tube inside the fuselage, sucking in air from the front of the plane and blowing it out of the rear at speed. It does this by using a propeller with wider blades and a smaller diameter, usually referred to as an impeller.

Advantages of this system is that there is no external propeller to get damaged and noise levels are lower by avoiding the buzz you normally get from propeller tips. There isn't space here to cover the complex physics involved in designing an electric ducted fan power plant but the lip shape of the intake, clean airflow in the engine chamber and the size and shape of the exhaust are all crucial.

With a brushless electric motor all that need concern you is to keep everything dry and the batteries charged. Your neighbours will appreciate the lower noise levels and cleanliness of the whole operation. With most models you will have control of the engine speed so you can fly at lower speeds until you get used to handling these fabulous craft.

Finally I would recommend getting an already assembled out-of-the-box model to get your rc jet flying underway. Unlike turbine jets you will find top quality ready to fly scale models available for less than £160 delivered to your door.

Happy flying !