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What is the History of RC Model Airplanes?

Radio control technology has been in use since 1893, when Nikola Tesla created a boat that was controlled by transmitted radio waves. In 1917, the first radio controlled airplane was successful. During World War II, Germany tried a variety of weapons that were operated by radio control. Radio controlled model airplanes have evolved over the years and seen improvements since that first flight in 1917.

Model Airplane News
- In 1929, the "Model Airplane News" magazine began. It is still popular today with radio control hobbiests.
Model Contest
- In 1931, the Detroit News and the Detroit Department of Recreation and Parks held a contest for model builders to create a model of their auto-giro, following their specifications. The contest was open to anyone under 21 years of age. The auto-giro was an aircraft that could lift off vertically and hover.
Radio Controlled Models
- During the 1950s, remote control models became popular but they had to be recharged frequently.
The 1970s
- Major changes in radio controlled model airplanes had occurred by the 1970s, specifically in the area of directional control. Interest in model airplanes greatly increased.
Biggest Contest
- The world's largest radio controlled airplane contest was held in 2008 in Lakeland, Florida, with the 20th anniversary of the competition. A total of 125 participants competed over a period of five days.

Aviation