With Father’s Day right around the corner and fuel prices causing many to think perhaps of a “staycation” this summer, those looking for a different sort of gift should check out Swann and their new line of RC Indoor Helicopters.
Many ask themselves, “Aren’t remote control helicopters difficult to fly?” Yes they are, or were.
Swann, a company mostly dedicated to security devices, offers a break from the routine with this new line of rechargeable RC Indoor Helicopters. Within minutes of making my tester “flight ready” I was buzzing around the den and terrorizing the cat.
Fun is had in 8-minute chunks — as that is the limit of the onboard battery, but those eight minutes are a blast. A remote control unit is powered by AA batteries and can even be used to charge the helicopter. I use the supplied USB cable for recharging.
Should you wish to occupy the same airspace as your friends (or co-workers at the office) the device offers three different channels to communicate with the helicopter. I can see this as a new favorite at those “really cool” workplaces we see on TV every once in a while.
The Swann RC Indoor Helicopter is really cool and perhaps one of the least “technological” devices I have tested lately. What a great way to take a break. If you don’t drink coffee, don’t smoke and don’t need to run to the restroom often, this is what you need for your short breaks during the workday.
They are promoted as indoor flyers, and I concur. Tish and I took ours outside and the poor thing just could not handle anything over about a 10-knot headwind. At least the “kite-eating tree” did not get it.
Back inside I flew it into just about everything in the house and we have yet to experience any damage to structure or contents (said while knocking superstitiously on wood).
At an MSRP of $59 I find the Swann helicopters a good deal and the entertainment factor is extremely high. And I like the blinking emergency lights on my test unit.
Swann RC Indoor Helicopters are available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers.
MSRP: $59
What I Like: FUN! Easy to fly and they look really cool, too.
What Needs Improvement: The recharge time of the onboard battery goes by really fast when you are having fun.
Verdict: Gotta get this for the Dad/Grad you know who needs a fun break.
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Swann Launches New Line of RC Indoor Helicopters
Micro Lightning™, Micro Hornet™, Emergency Strike™, Military Thunder™ and Missile Strike™ remote controlled gyro helicopters boasting simple operation, realistic performance and are heaps of fun
Santa Fe Springs, Calif. – Swann proudly introduces its first ever range of RC helicopters. With eight choppers known as: Micro Lightning™, Micro Hornet™, Emergency Strike™, Military Thunder™ and Missile Strike™, Swann’s remote controlled helicopters perform death-defying stunts and flight manoeuvres with military precision.
Each helicopter features Swann’s Easy-Fly Gyro Technology, trim adjustment for added stability and dual joystick controls on the infrared remote control for 6-way multi-directional flying including up/down, forward/backward, left and right turns. Each chopper is powered by a lithium ion battery that can be recharged from the cable in the remote control or via USB cable into your PC. The remote control is powered by 6 x AA batteries (not included) with an indicator light to assist with charging. Swann’s RC choppers are designed for indoor flying for ages 14+, include a spare set of replacement rotors and a bonus landing pad game.
“We tested the waters last Christmas and at CES in January and found we had an overwhelmingly positive response to the range from consumers and retailers,” said Jeremy Stewart, Swann’s VP Global Marketing. “It’s an interesting move for us in that up until now we have been known as a surveillance business, but we are always looking to develop new and innovative products. The helicopter range is exciting and for pilots of any skill level they are very addictive!” he added.
Micro Lightning™
Light & fast RC helicopter with precision controls
• 3-channel infrared control operates Up/Down, Forward/Backward, Left/Right Turns
• Charges off the remote control or via USB in less than an hour
• 8 minutes of flying time per charge
• MSRP $59
Micro Hornet™
Smallest & lightest fully controllable mini helicopter with gyro
• 3-channel infrared control operates Up/Down, Forward/Backward, Left/Right Turns
• Charges off the remote control within 30 minutes
• 5 minutes of flying time per charge
• MSRP $59
Emergency Strike™
Fast & responsive RC helicopter designed to look like a real emergency chopper
• 3-channel infrared control operates Up/Down, Forward/Backward, Left/Right Turns
• Charges off the remote control or via USB in less than an hour
• 10 minutes of flying time per charge
• MSRP $59
Military Thunder™
Remote controlled double rotor army helicopter looks like a real Chinook chopper
• 3-channel infrared control operates Up/Down, Forward/Backward, Left/Right Turns
• Charges off the remote control or via USB in less than an hour
• 8 minutes of flying time per charge
• MSRP $59
Missile Strike™
A predator of the skies – identify your target, lock it on & fire
• 3-channel infrared control operates Up/Down, Forward/Backward, Left/Right Turns
• Fires missiles with push controls on the remote control
• Charges off the remote control or via USB in less than an hour
• 8 minutes of flying time per charge
• MSRP $59
Swann’s RC helicopters will be available for purchase from Fry’s Electronics, BrandSmart, J&R Music, ABC Appliance, Nebraska Furniture Mart and other major retailers coming soon.
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