The present invention relates to model aircraft and in particular to the remote radio control of such aircraft by means of series of PDM signals.
One of the major causes of accidents involving model airplanes is loss of control. Each year deadly accidents occur as a result of persons being struck by such models or slashed by the rotating propeller blades of a model out of control.
Tests conducted in Germany show that in 80% of model airplane accidents the aircraft remote control apparatus was intact after the accident indicating that the malfunction that lead to the accident was caused by interference with control signal transmission. The loss of communication between the model operator on the ground and his aircraft is thus believed to be a major cause of model aircraft accidents.
In view of the above, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a system for the safe control of model aircraft in the event of a loss of communication between a model operator and his aircraft.
A further object is to provide such a system which automatically shifts the model into a predetermined pattern in the event of a loss of communication which permits the model to be safely brought to the ground.