Definition

Noun: A type of aircraft that flies without a human pilot on board and is guided from a distance using radio signals.

Usage

This term specifically refers to the complete flying vehicle (the "aircraft") that is controlled via radio. It is a compound noun where "radio-controlled" acts as an adjective describing the type of aircraft.

Examples

• The hobbyist spent the afternoon flying his radio-controlled aircraft in the park.
• Radio-controlled aircraft are used for aerial photography and surveying.
• The military sometimes uses radio-controlled aircraft for reconnaissance missions.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, technical, or hobbyist contexts to distinguish these models from free-flight or control-line aircraft.
• It can encompass a wide range of sizes, from small hobbyist models to larger drones used for commercial purposes.

Variants and Related Words

• Drone: A more modern and common synonym, often implying greater autonomy or specific commercial/military applications.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): A formal, technical term frequently used in military, governmental, and industrial contexts.
• RC plane / RC helicopter: Common informal terms within the hobbyist community, specifying the type of aircraft.
• Remote-controlled aircraft: A synonym where "remote-controlled" is used instead of "radio-controlled."

Synonyms

• Drone
• UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
• Remote-controlled aircraft

Notes on Meaning

While "radio-controlled aircraft" is a specific compound noun, its core meaning is defined by the combination of its parts: an aircraft that is controlled via radio waves. It is treated as a single conceptual unit in modern usage.

Noun

1. an aircraft without a pilot that is operated by remote control