The machines
Remote control autonomous helicopters exist in many different versions. The standard is a fuel powered machine available with a range of engines. Lately, also some electrical remote control helicopters have been develloped, powered by a high performance battery pack. Of course, different applications ask for different helicopters. If you want a strong machine that will take a lot of payload for a long distance without refuelling, a fuel engine is your best option. But if you need to shoot high definition video in nature, or do a low profile reconnaissance flight at night with infrared camera's, you might sway towards the very discreet and light electrical remote control helicopter.

Manual, semiautomatic or fully automatic?
Whatever machine you choose, there are other options to consider. You can select a fully automated 'drone' that will perform the same task over and over again until you tell it to stop. Or opt for computer aided flight, where artificial intelligence prevents the operator from going beyond performance boundaries. And in some circumstances, full manual is the only solution.

Manual operation by experienced pilot
If you need maximum performance, flexibility and intelligent interactive flight, you need a manually operated helicopter. A skilled remote control 'pilot' can make a mini helicopter jump through hoops and do stunts

that are impossible to computerise. By the way, this is not a skill easily learned. Trained helicopter pilots are irked by the 'out of body' experience of having to fly a helicopter without being inside it. To become a professional, months of intensive training is necessary.

Computer-enhanced manual operation
In this case, the operator tells the computer how and where to fly the helicopter. With automatic level control and automatic landing, this allows for smooth flight and easy operation. Usually, a short but intensive training suffices. Disadvantage is of course that the computer will disallow any 'stunts'.

Fully automated operation
The latest autonomous flight helicopters are equipped with artificial intelligence features for GPS-controlled flight, according to a pre-programmed but adaptable flight plan, features fully automatic takeoff, auto-return to starting point and automated landing and docking. A derivative of this technique is computer aided visual flight control. The onboard camera observes and recognises landscape features and steers the helicopter to its target. These techniques, being tactically and politically sensitive, are available everywhere; although for security reasons some international restrictions may apply.

Electrical mini helicopters: whisper silent operation
The very latest development are the electrically powered mini-helicopters. Not a toy, but a high tech fully operational flying camera. Available with pan & tilt unit for shooting digital video, still photography, HD-video and film cameras.
Important feature of these flying camera units is their relatively silent operation. The whirr of the blades is stronger than the engine noise. This makes the electric rc helicopter the best choice for discreet camera work.

Fuel powered mini-helicopters: strong and versatile
There are some constructors that build exclusive, hand made remote controlled mini helicopters, whith proven test flight records. Some are champion weight lifters. There is a well-known Dutch manufacturer that builds very fast, versatile and agile helicopters, perfectly suited for either lifting heavy weights or for stable, relatively quiet flight with a mounted camera unit in front. These featherweight flying cam rc helicopters have been purposely developed for use as a flying camera and therefore have the engine behind the rotor unit.