RC Toys
The term "RC toys" may stand for either "remote-controlled toys" or "radio-controlled toys", and encompass a variety of remotely operated vehicles. They are often cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, or even submarines, and can be fun for people of all ages. Most RC toys are wireless, and utilize joysticks and buttons to control their movements via transmitters and receivers.
RC toys can trace their beginnings to the inventor Nikola Tesla, who in 1898 demonstrated his remote-controlled boat that operated using radio waves. This technology was initially used for military purposes, but by the 1950s remote-controlled airplanes were available on the toy market, although they were bulky and their range was short.
The first RC cars became popular during the 1960s; these were initially gas-powered vehicles with 2-stroke engines, and various companies began mass-producing 1/8th scale RC car models in the 1970s. By 1974, electric-powered cars emerged, and they would soon feature direct drive transmissions.
RC toys in the 1970s became more reliable, featuring upgraded controls and other options, while airplanes became lighter and faster. The first RC helicopter had been successfully flown in 1968, and model helicopter kits appeared in stores by 1972, proving to be an interesting flying challenge.
By the 1980s, RC cars appeared for off-road use, and much faster models running on nitro were also introduced. This has since led to various racing tournaments and other competitive events around the world for RC cars, as well as other RC vehicles. Since the 1980s, aquatic RC vehicles have also expanded to include submarines and hovercraft, and with submarines comes the challenge of making a successful dive and safely resurfacing.
