Up, up, and away - What's New? - model planes - Brief Article

Flying model planes has come a long way from balsa bodies with wind-up rubber bands to spin the propeller. A prime example is the radio-controlled E-Chargers Intruder from Spin Master Toys, Toronto, Ont., Canada.

This trim plastic and styrofoam plane operates with six rechargeable C batteries and a nine-volt one in the remote control, is equipped with an inboard computer to send it soaring, and its short wingspan makes it ideal for urban settings, where maneuverability around telephone poles, lampposts, and other obstructions becomes critical. It fully charges in the docking base in about two minutes, then is launched with an automatic takeoff system operated by a handheld joystick/ controller. Once in the air, it may be steered in any direction, can receive a power boost at the push of a button on the controller, then is brought back to Earth at the press of another button, landing smoothly and gently. The colorful yellow-and-purple Intruder is available for approximately $60 in toy, hobby, and model stores.

Another fun-filled radio-controlled sky diver is the Fire Flite Airplane and Glider from Sharper Image, San Francisco, Calif. The motor-driven propeller can be started and the red-and-yellow Fire Flite launched by hand--no runway is needed. Use the working wing flaps to send the plane into hair-raising circles, spirals, dives, and spins. With the digital speed control, you can adjust the airspeed for more-complicated maneuvers, or turn off the motor and let it ride the thermals. If the plane flies out of the transmitter's 500-foot range, the auto-glide feature guides it safely to the ground. If the plane's batteries are low, the motor automatically cuts off, but the rudder remains operable for another 15 minutes to help you to steer to a landing.

Its ultratough carbon-fiber material and plastic construction make this plane--which is 23" long and 29" from wingtip to wingtip--extremely durable. It runs on a 4.8-volt rechargeable battery (and comes with a charger), while the transmitter uses eight AA batteries. The Fire Flite is available for $129.95 by phone (888-344-4444) or online (sharperimage.com).

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