RC Model Airplane Aerobatics Part III – Advanced Aerobatics

Now that you know how to perform basic and intermediate level RC model airplane aerobatics, you can progress to the most advanced maneuvers. This article lists some of the most interesting advanced aerobatic maneuvers in order of difficulty.

Immelmann Turn

The Immelmann turn is a type of aerobatic maneuver named for World War I fighter pilot Max Immelmann. When done precisely, the Immelmann turn is a very crowd pleasing maneuver, and can be used in combination with a wide variety of other aerobatics. Perform an Immelmann turn by using full throttle, turning the aircraft into the wind, and then pulling up into a vertical climb. When climbing, use the rudder and elevator controls to keep the aircraft climbing in a straight line. After gaining a significant amount of altitude pull back on the elevator to enter inverted flight. Keep the wings level, and execute a sharp 180 degree roll, bringing the aircraft back to straight and level flight. The net effect of this maneuver is that the RC model airplane is higher, and facing the opposite direction then it was during the start of the maneuver. Take a look at this picture, which shows the different parts of an Immelmann turn:

Split S

The Split S is basically the same as an Immelmann turn, but performed in the opposite direction. As always, begin by turning the aircraft into the wind. Then enter a vertical dive. Pull out of the dive by applying more down elevator, so that the aircraft levels off and enters inverted flight. As with the Immelmann turn, exit inverted flight by rolling 180 degrees in a left or right direction. This figure illustrates the different parts of a Split S:

Cuban Eight

A Cuban eight is one of the most challenging, and interesting, aerobatic maneuvers to perform. Performing a Cuban Eight involves making the airplane follow a vertical path resembling a horizontal eight in the sky. Make sure that you perform this maneuver at a high altitude, this is not to be attempted at twenty feet off the deck.

Start by facing into the wind, and applying full throttle, then pull up and perform a graceful half loop (1). Don’t level off after reaching the top of the loop (2). Instead, continue to use up elevator until the RC model airplane enters an inverted 45 degree descent (3). Wait until the RC model airplane reaches the midpoint of the eight – or about halfway up the first loop, and then perform a crisp 180 degree roll (4). Keep in mind that the RC model airplane will be inverted before you perform the roll.

After performing a roll, level off from the 45 degree descent and pull up again (5). Perform another half loop (6), and then begin another 45 degree descent (7). Wait until the midpoint of the eight (8), and perform a 180 degree roll like in step 3. After that, gradually level out and enter straight and level flight (8).

Ideally, the Cuban eight should be completely symmetrical along both the horizontal and vertical axis.

Congratulations! You can now perform advanced RC aerobatics!

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