I have had small radio-controlled helicopters in the past but I saw this model in the Carrera new products catalog, I immediately noticed that it had a little extra compared to the other helicopters I have had and the other helicopters in the range. It really looks like a real helicopter with its upper rotor and its rust-proof tail rotor. And that is visually a big plus.
The content
In the box, we find 3 compartments, the helicopter, the remote control and the accessories.
In the accessory part, we find 4 paper bags with inside:
- 4 LR06 batteries for the remote control
- A 7.4V 350mAH Lipo battery
- A USB cable for the battery
- A rear rotor blade and 2 spare main rotor blades.
As usual, Carrera offers a turnkey model, everything is included to enjoy it.
The battery
The battery is of an atypical format, in a plastic case with the charger included. Just plug in a USB cable (micro-B).
Its small capacity allows it to charge quickly with a classic charge from a computer’s USB port. Less than 45 minutes of charging time will be necessary.
For the good shape of your battery, it is advisable to wait about ten minutes after a gaming session before recharging it. The battery must have cooled down before recharging it. Likewise, after recharging, leave it for a few minutes.
Lipo batteries require precautions for use, I invite you to consult this article : Batterie LiPo : conseils d’utilisation et d’entretien
Comparisons
I have static helicopters in 1/43rd scale and I couldn’t resist comparing one of them to the Carrera one.
The scale is very close and the RC model is well made. So look at the 2 side by side.
The Red Bull helicopter looks great next to this model of a Gendarmerie helicopter.
This Red Bull BO 105 C is, I didn’t specify, the reproduction of a real helicopter (Bölkow Bo 105) with faithful decorations.
The flight
The time has come, the battery is charged, the remote control batteries inserted. For this first flight, I have a large warehouse with a large space on a truck unloading area. A ceiling height of more than 10 meters should be enough. Be careful, this helicopter is designed for outdoor flights. Do not fly in a house.
For this first flight, I chose the heliport “19B” as a take-off runway, I press the automatic take-off button, the propeller starts to turn and the helicopter takes off to automatically position itself at almost 2m high.
In the warehouse, there is no wind, the helicopter is very stable, I barely need to adjust the trims on the remote control for this first flight.
I gently operate each command to understand its reactions. The BO 105 C reacts well to orders smoothly and smoothly. Flying over pallets, going around poles, climbing and flying at altitude, the helicopter does not weaken. It is a real pleasure to have a helicopter that looks like a model fly.
For the landing, I opt for caution, despite the automatic function, I prefer to be sure. This is the most dangerous phase, if the helicopter tilts, it risks damaging the blades and their mechanism.
I approach the helicopter next to me at 1.5m from the ground, and I catch it by the skids, in flight before cutting the rotors. Be careful, this method requires good control, because at the slightest problem, the moving blades can hit you.
Comparison with other aircraft
The first few minutes of flight I was a little disturbed. I am used to flying with drones, or with “classic” helicopters. Usually helicopters have 2 levels of blades rotating in different directions with a level with stabilizers. We can move these helicopters forward/backward, up/down and left/right in rotation.
Here our helicopter has all the behavior of a drone, because in addition we have the left right translation movements. Visually you have a helicopter and the agile flight sensation of a drone in piloting. Disturbing the first few minutes, it quickly becomes a real pleasure.
And then it is indeed this Red Bull Bo 105 from Carrera which faithfully reproduces the behavior of a real helicopter.
Summary
An excellent helicopter not only very beautiful and well made. The flight behavior is very good.
Reference: 370501049
Price: 130€