Despite a less than robust economy, there are still plenty of new products coming out under the radio control sun. Whether you are into flying RC airplanes or helicopters or want to turn a family member on to them, a short list of recent vintage remote control aircraft would have to include Megatech’s Interceptor jet, Phase 3’s P-40 Warhawk, and the T-Rex 250 helicopter from Align.

The Interceptor is an indoor-outdoor electric Jet RC airplane with flashy good looks and aerobatic performance capabilities. Ready to Fly with 2 Channel, twin-stick transmitter and 3.7 volt LiPo battery included, the Interceptor combine power with extended flight times. Able to execute vertical climbs, dives, right and left turns, even make complete loops, the Interceptor will also fly at slow enough speeds for beginners 8 and up to handle safely and get the hang of quickly. 9″ long with a 10″ wingspan and made of EPP foam, it’s plenty durable in case of crashes with a nosecone cover of hard plastic for insurance. Its 27 MHz FM radio provides a range of over 500 feet and flight duration is quite good for micro RC airplanes. With charger built-in to the 27MHz transmitter, you can recharge the Interceptor anywhere, anytime.

Modeled on WW II’s famous fighter plane, Phase 3’s P-40 Warhawk looks just like the ones flown by Claire Chennault and his Flying Tigers in China against the Japanese. With its powerful brushless motor and 3 cell LiPo battery, the P-40 performs as swell as it looks. Almost Ready to Fly with assembly time of around 20 minutes, the Warhawk is constructed of lightweight but durable foam. With battery and charger, factory-installed mini servos, motor and electronic speed controller included, you need add only a 5 Channel and up transmitter and receiver to be ready to roar. Realistic in appearance with superb flight characteristics, the P-40 makes for a great addition to the intermediate or advanced pilot’s collection of RC airplanes.

While less new than the P-40 or the Interceptor, the T-Rex 250 is, with the exception of the T-Rex 100, the smallest of Align’s RC helicopters and one of its best sellers. Micro in size but a powerful performer, the T-Rex 250SE Super Combo is one of 3 kit forms available. Updated and improved since its introduction 3 years ago, the 250SE’s new rotor head set is stronger and thus more durable, and the new metal control lever and metal swashplate add to its 3D capabilities. Other enhancements include strengthened landing skids with skid-proof screw holes, new servo screw retainers for easier installation, and a new tail belt unit with counter-weighted blade grips for easier assembly and better rudder efficiency. With precise flying characteristics and the ability to perform such 3D maneuvers as inverted flight, the T-Rex 250 SE Combo is not only great fun but also a best buy in electric micro RC helicopters.

These are just two RC airplanes and one helicopter from among the Knnow RC thousands available from brick and mortar and online retailers. Using the Internet to compare prices and features is highly recommended, and if you don’t find what you want at your local hobby store, you are sure to do so online.