Many customers coming for consultations and always have the same hesitation on deciding what’s better, nitro, petrol or electric.

I am asking them them the counter question, what would you choose, electric car vs diesel, petrol? electric?

So lets convert it to best RC helicopter and decide on Heli nitro engines, electric motor or even Petrol engine.

  • What power source is best suited for me and my particular application? Here are a few facts about the three options available that will help you make the right decision for your first best fitting radio control helicopter
  • Electric (Battery powered, most commonly a Lithium Polymer is used)
  • Nitro (Nitro fuel is a combination of nitromethane, methanol and oil)
  • Petrol (2-Stroke fuel is a combination of Unleaded fuel and 2-Stroke oil)

I will tell you later what is My preference as 40+ years’ experience in RC helicopters

All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Honestly- it’s a customer choice.

Let’s start with the mechanical differences with the fuel powered motors first as the ignition for nitro and petrol engines are very different.

RC Nitro Engines

Nitro engines using a glow plug, which requires an external ~1.5v battery powered glow igniter to heat the glow plug’s coil which is necessary to start any nitro engine. These glow igniters can be mounted on Helicopter, or be attached to the engine only for start up period.

Once the nitro engine is started, the glow igniter may be removed from the glow plug as the engine can re-self-ignite from the high heat generated by combustion.

Petrol Engines

Petrol (2-Stroke) engines use a spark plug, just as like garden tools, example chainsaw. The spark is generated from movement of magnets past a coil normally mounted on the flywheel, this is an automatic process that happens when the engine is turned on. You can have a mechanical ignition, or electronic, but always it will be attached to the engine for all time of operation

Electric motors

Electric motors mostly will be used as a set of Motor, speed controller, and a Battery. Best RC helicopters will always use Lithium Polymer batteries which are known for best power Density.

Things to consider:

Every one want the same “ I want the best RC helicopter, best RC airplane, Best RC drone.

This is like to say “ I want the best car” , but again decision wise things to be considered.

Helicopters are a bit different in approach, first, do you want to see a smoke and hear a sound of real rc nitro engine?  If yes, go for Nitro or Gas.

But be ready for bit of maintenance. Cleaning after flight, some traces of fuel smoke. Honestly : 10-15 min is all needed to clean it, but it’s a bit more.. you need to check the fuel lines, make sure the lines are not damaged, fuel is clean, you have to carry fuel with you.. some extra accessories such fuel pump, starter, and so on.

Electric is different. Lot of power with the push of the button, no need to adjust, no extra accessories, but..

You have to charge the batteries, the Lipo batteries will not last as long in flight as Nitro or Gas.

Best Nitro engine combination setup was able to keep the Helicopter around 20 min in flight( depends on how smooth the flight is) and Gas could last up to 40 min..( I think its too much)

Lipo battery would last less than 10 min, but hey- swap it and you back in the air, which means you need extra lipo packs with you, and its an extra cost.

You will not hear the sound of RC nitro engine, but you will have a smooth sound in flight, no smoke.

So basically saying this, there is No such a thing : Best rc helicopter, or rc airplane, or else.. it’s a pure choice.

Personally, I love the Nitro and Gas RC helicopter, its more realistic, and yes, it needs more work around, but isn’t it part of the hobby?

So hopefully you have some good info, and if its still not clear enough- contact me and we will get you sorted.