|
|
|
|
Vintage RC Helicopters - Japan
Prior to Schlüter's record flights of 1970, Japanese modellers were experimenting, mainly unsuccessfully, with RC helicopters however, one experimenter named Shinya Fujiyama of Hiroshima had a measure of success.
The hovering above the assistant and close to trees implies a good level of control; unfortunately this model was not developed further. It was not until Hiroyuki Oki brought one of Dieter Schlüter's Cobra helicopter's back to Japan and in collaboration with Dieter, Kalt was to be the first Far East manufacturers to move into the RC helicopter market. Following Kalt was Sagami but their model was not widely successful being ahead of its time in many aspects and thus expensive/complicated. Hirobo entered the market in 1976 with a completely unique design and though the flatbed mechanics layout was common, the use of the scale Fenestrom was considered very daring for a first 'stab' at the market. They continued strongly in the scale market and additionally their 'pod and boom' Falcon range was developed in collaboration with GMP for the America market. Ishimasa who were involved in electric cars etc brought out the first commercial electric helicopter and whilst sales were not huge it did provide an option to glow engines. The next major 'player' was TSK who started out making upgrades for Kalt helicopters before moving on to manufacturing their own range. Aisonic continued on from Ishimasa and miniaturised the electric model; this was generally more successful in the home market though did have some world wide sales. Kyosho also moved into the RC helicopter market as a natural progression from their range of cars and at one point was the manufacturer to beat. JR then followed and they originally started out making radio equipment so it was another natural progression to making full helicopters. Throughout the period, numerous small brands produced helicopters some successful at the time and other more of a 'one hit wonder' without international impact. |
