7 Best RC Military Helicopters for Kids

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This guide reviews 7 RC military helicopters for kids and family fun. They make excellent first-time whirlybirds, and most are indoor-friendly fliers. There are few things to consider when buying these helis. The first point to note is that none of them fly for long on a single charge. That’s typical for most RC choppers, not only the toy-grade models.

Look also at charging times and the cost of spare batteries if they’re swappable. An extra battery or two lets you continue the fun while the dead one recharges. That said, it’s always a good idea to let the tiny motors cool down for a few minutes between flights. Your model lasts much longer when you do.

Budget
best-budget-rc-military-helicopter-for-kids
Helicopter King RC Military Heli
4.5/5.0
Type: Coaxial
Channels: 3.5 Channels
6-axis stabilizing gyro and bright LED lights.
Check Ebay
Best Value
best-value-rc-military-helicopter-for-kids
VATOS Mini Military RC Heli
4.7/5.0
Type: Coaxial
Channels: 3.5 Channels
Gyroscope technology and bright blue LEDs.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-rc-military-helicopter-for-kids
FX070C MD500 Scale Heli
4.8/5.0
Type: Fixed Pitch
Channels: 4 Channels
Anti-collision balls, 6-axis gyro, and decent range.
Check Banggood

Coaxial RC Helicopters Defined

Most of the models reviewed here are of the coaxial variety. They have two rotors, one above the other on the main shaft. Two rotors make them much easier to fly at the beginner level. Coaxial helis don’t usually have a tail rotor, but they’re incredibly stable. That makes them ideal for indoor flights. Young pilots don’t need to develop any special skills to operate these models.

Some users find coaxial models boring after a while. That’s because they have what we call a narrow performance envelope. They can’t do fancy flight maneuvers or aerobatics. Many toy-grade models use infrared (IR) remote controllers. IR doesn’t function outdoors under bright sunlight. Cons aside, these helis are ideal for beginners and perfect for indoor fun on bad weather days.

Fixed Pitch Vs. Collective Pitch

Other types of RC helis are fixed pitch (FP) with one rotor, and collective pitch (CP), also with one rotor. Coaxial helis are mostly fixed pitch as well, but with two rotors. FP models also have a tail rotor and can perform some basic aerobatics. CP helicopters are sporty, stunt capable, and most can even fly in blustery conditions. They’re the hardest to master and the most expensive to buy.

About My ‘RC Military Helicopter’s Guide

I chose military-style helicopters as they’re more entertaining than regular types. Kids can take these birds on special missions with a little imagination. There are 7 mini-reviews here for the current favorites. I also used consumer feedback as well as personal experience before finalizing the list. The first three on the page are my choice for Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick.

RC Military Helicopters for Kids Comparison Table

1. Helicopter King RC Military Chopper | Best Budget

Helicopter King RC Military ChopperView on Ebay

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Best Budget military RC heli goes to the coaxial Helicopter King made from plastic and alloy. It’s a 3.5 channel 2.4GHz model with a 6-axis stabilizing gyro for better flight control.

What We Like About the Helicopter King

This toy-grade military-style chopper is a superb first-time heli for young pilots. Available flight controls include rise, fall, turn left, turn right, forward, backward, and hover. The bird has bright LED lights that add to its appeal and let you fly in the dark. Another neat feature—considering it’s a budget end toy—is the adjustable speed control. And the USB charging is fast at less than an hour.

In the box of a new Military King RC helicopter:

  • Military king coaxial heli w/ flight battery
  • 3.5CH remote controller
  • USB cable for charging
  • 3 x propellers
  • Screwdriver

The controller is simple to use and takes 6 AA batteries (not included). The remote control distance is around 33ft or 10m, which is about right for a toy in this category.

The Not So Good

The flight time—though typical—is disappointing at 6–8 minutes max. Extra batteries cost around $8 or less and let you continue the fun while the other is on a charge. Allow the small motor to cool down for a few minutes between each flight, though.

View on Ebay

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial military heli
Dimensions: 12.2 x 2.95 x 4.92”
Product Weight: 21.1 oz.
Max Range: 32.8ft (10 meters)
Battery: 3.7V 300mAh LiPo
Max Flight Time: 6-8 minutes
Charging Time: 50+ minutes
Makers Suggested Age: Xxx
The Pros
Affordable 3.5Ch RC Heli
6-axis stabilizing gyro
Bright LED lights
Adjustable speed control
Fast, USB charging
Decent range—for a toy
Value for money
The Cons
Short flight time

2. VATOS Mini Military Kids Helicopter | Best Value

VATOS Mini Military Kids HelicopterView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The VATOS Alloy Mini military-style 3.5 channel coaxial helicopter makes the Bests Value pick. It’s a stable, coaxial craft with a smart red and gray finish. Kids can fly this bird indoors or outside.

What We Like About the VATOS Mini Heli

This tiny model is easy to fly, super light, and durable. That means it holds up well to accidental crashes and hard landings. The model arrives ready to fly (RTF), so no assembly needed. Gyroscope stabilizing technology makes it a perfect chopper for first-timers. Available flight controls are up/down, forward/backward, and left/right. And the bright blue LEDs allow pilots to fly in the dark.

In the box of a new VATOS Mini RC helicopter:

  • VATOS RC mini military heli w/ flight battery
  • 3.5CH remote controller
  • USB battery charging cable
  • 2 x link buttons
  • 2 x spare blades
  • Tail propeller
  • Instruction booklet
  • Screwdriver

The infrared (IR) remote controller is small and lightweight, so it’s perfect for kids hands. It takes 6 AA batteries (not included). The control range is around 39ft (12m) in ideal conditions.

The Not So Good

The VATOS Mini chopper flies outdoors, but only on overcast, windless days. It’s infrared (IR) remote control can’t maintain reliable contact under bright sunlight. It’s also ultra-light, so anything above a gentle breeze makes it uncontrollable. Thus, it’s better suited as an indoor toy. Flight time is only 7 minutes, so consider extra batteries. The USB charging is fast, though, at around 30+ minutes.

View on Amazon

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial military heli
Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.8 x 4.5”
Product Weight: 1.65 oz.
Max Range: 39ft (12 meters)
Battery: 3.7V 250mAh LiPo
Max Flight Time: 7 minutes
Charging Time: 30+ minutes
Makers Suggested Age:
The Pros
Excellent value RC helicopter
Ready to fly (RTF) model
Perfect for beginners
Lightweight yet durable
Gyroscope technology
Bright blue LEDs
The Cons
Infrared (IR) controller
Too light to fly in the wind
Short flight time

3. FX070C MD500 Scale RC Helicopter | Top Pick

FX070C MD500 Scale RC HelicopterView on Banggood

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Meet the FX070C MD500. It’s a 4CH scale RC flybarless army-style heli with superb workmanship. Consider this model if you appreciate realistic modeling as much as flying capabilities.

What We Like About the FX070C MD500

The FX070C MD500 is a large-scale fixed pitch (FP) RC helicopter. That means it has a wider performance envelope than the first two picks. It looks fantastic, and most new owners are sure to be impressed as they unbox this bird. It sports a 6-axis gyro and some exciting flight characteristics.

Flying the FX070C MD500

This military helicopter can accomplish 4-channel actions and achieve various stunts. Maneuvers include up/down, left/right, forward/backward, left sideward/right sideward, and hover. The bird responds well to stick controls with no noticeable delays. It’s a single blade chopper and thus takes more skill than coaxial helis. The instructions are clear and detailed, and a must-read for novices.

In the box of a new FX070C MD500 RC helicopter:

  • FX070C scale heli w/ flight battery
  • 4CH remote controller
  • Battery charger
  • Detailed user guide

The operating range is around 164ft (50m). Think of the FX070C MD500 fixed pitch (FP) as a stepping stone. It’s a worthy model that sits well between coaxial and collective pitch RC helicopters. An upgraded transmitter might be worth considering, though (see below).

The Not So Good

The transmitter looks okay, but it feels cheap to the touch for a product in this price category. It even has 4 fake buttons along the bottom and an artificial antenna for cosmetic appearance. Fortunately, the helicopter doesn’t share its tawdry construction. The flight time is horrible at just 8 minutes max. The battery compartment is tight, so there’s no room for a bigger one unless you make modifications.

Battery charging is also long at about 210 minutes or 3.5 hours, so spares are must-have extras.

View on Banggood

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Fixed pitch RC heli
Dimensions: 24.1 x 10.4 x 9.6”
Product Weight: 24.1 oz.
Max Range: 164ft (50 meters)
Battery: 11.1V 1100mAh lithium
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes
Charging Time: 210 minutes
Makers Suggested Age: 14+ years
The Pros
Large scale heli, great details
Ready to fly (RTF) model
Clear instructions
Anti-collision balls
6-axis gyro
Decent range
Bright blue LEDs
The Cons
Cheap transmitter
Short flight time
Long charging time
Overly tight battery compartment

4. Air Combat Radio Control Helicopter

Air Combat Radio Control HelicopterView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5

This model is the Air Combat RC helicopter. The interesting thing about it is the realistic flight stick controller. It’s super easy to fly and lots of fun to boot. Let’s take a closer look.

What We Like About the Air Combat Heli

It’s an RC coaxial heli built for playing aerial combat games. The remote control has a built-in gyro that’s unique for toy-grade choppers. It works like the flying stick on a real whirlybird. You grip it, and then move in any direction. The airborne heli then follows your movements. There’s even a fire button to play infrared battle games if you have two or more of these birds in the air.

In the box of a new Air Combat helicopter:

  • Indoor Air Combat heli
  • Unique IR Flight Stick controller
  • USB charger
  • User manual

The game works by trying to shoot your enemy in the sky. Once any of the battling choppers receives 3 hits, it lands automatically. That’s flying fun for the entire family to enjoy. The flight time is also impressive and can range from 20–30 minutes. These Air Combat choppers are super easy to operate for entry-level pilots. They’re durable too and don’t easily break on impact like some models.

The Not So Good

No one can argue that these helis are a lot of fun and quite unique. However, some user feedback talks of poor support if something goes wrong. OK, so they’re only cheap toys. Still, the quality of after-sales service is a vital buying consideration for products at any price range.

View on Amazon

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial RC battle heli
Dimensions: 12.8 x 4.3 x 12”
Product Weight: 14.4 oz.
Max Range: Not specified (short)
Battery: Built-in rechargeable
Max Flight Time: 20–30 minutes
Charging Time: 30+ minutes
Makers Suggested Age: 12+ years
The Pros
Easy to fly/play at entry-level
Realistic flight stick controller
Combat game feature
Up to 8 players can join in
2 speed modes
Durable build, crash-resistant
Long flight time
Fast charging time
The Cons
Poor after-sales support

5. WLtoys V398 Missile Shooting RC Helicopter

WLtoys V398 Missile Shooting RC HelicopterView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

WLtoys V398 is an affordable 3.5 channel, missile-shooting RC coaxial helicopter. It comes with 6 rapid-fire projectiles and provides heaps of fun for kids or the entire family.

What We Like About the V398 Missile Heli

This toy-grade RC helicopter is well-made and has a durable build with solid materials. It’s also easy for first-time heli pilots to control thanks to the coaxial structure and stabilizing-gyro. This little bird benefits from 3D omnidirectional flight. Maneuvers include ascend/descend, forward/backward, and left turn/right turn. Airframe LEDs add an extra layer of fun for those who like to fly in the dark.

In the box of a new V398 Missile helicopter:

  • V398 missile-hooting heli
  • IR remote controller
  • USB charging cable
  • 2 x main props
  • 2 x tail props
  • 8 x missiles
  • User manual (English & Chinese)

The heli has special LED light effects when shooting missiles. The maximum 10 minute flight time is a tad longer than similar models. However, you can half that if you stay in constant battle mode. Battery charging is fast at only 30–45 minutes. And the control range is adequate at around 32ft (10m).

The Not So Good

This model RC heli—like others on the page—uses an infrared signal. That means you must keep the IR controller pointing directly at the bird for it to work. Direct sunlight also interferes with the IR signal, so no flying outside on bright sunny days.

View on Amazon

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial battle heli
Dimensions: 9.2 x 3.9 x 2.8”
Product Weight: 17.44 oz.
Max Range: 33ft (10 meters)
Battery: 3.7V 240mAh Lipo
Max Flight Time: 10 minutes
Charging Time: 30-45 minutes
Makers Suggested Age: 14+ years
The Pros
Affordable, fun RC heli
Durable, ABS material
Shoots missiles
LED lighting effects
Decent flight time
Fast charging time
The Cons
Infrared control restrictions

6. Syma S109G Military RC Helicopter by TM USA

Syma S109G Military RC Helicopter by TM USAView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The penultimate pick goes to the 6 Syma S109G. It’s a coaxial design, military RC helicopter that looks ready for the next combat mission. It’s an excellent choice for indoor games and entertainment.

What We Like About Syma’s S109G Military Heli

Syma’s S109G is a 3.5 channel RC whirlybird with gyro stability. It’s palm-sized but looks much bigger in the ads, so be mindful of that. Its small size and light weight also make it ideal for indoor combat missions. Pilots get to maneuver the S109G in 6 directions. They are, up/down clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation, forward, and backward. LED lights on either side allow safe flying in the dark

In the box of a new Syma’s S109G helicopter:

  • Syma’s S109G IR RC heli
  • IR remote controller
  • USB charging cable
  • Tail blade
  • Operating instructions

The S109G’s control range is typical at around 26ft (8m). Battery charging is fast at only 40 minutes or less, so it’s a short wait between missions. Flight time is less impressive, though (see below).

The Not So Good

Charging is fast, but flight time averages at around 6 minutes, so extra batteries are still a good idea. This heli uses an infrared controller that restricts its use to indoors only on sunny days.

View on Amazon

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial combat heli
Dimensions: 16.7 x 7.3 x 3.5”
Product Weight: 14.1 oz.
Max Range: 26+ ft. (8+ m)
Battery: 3.7V 150mAH Li-poly
Max Flight Time: 6 minutes
Charging Time: 40 minutes or less
Makers Suggested Age: 8+ years
The Pros
Easy control for beginners
Ideal for indoor use
Flies in 6 directions
Attention to details
Sable flyer w/ gyro
Durable, crash-resistant
Bright LED lights
Fast charging time
The Cons
Short flight time
Infrared (IR) restrictions

7. World Tech Toys Camo Hercules RC Gyro Heli

World Tech Toys Camo Hercules RC Gyro HeliView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5

Last of the reviews go to the unbreakable, 3.5CH coaxial Camo Hercules. This incredible little RC gyro-stabilized heli can take up to 200 pounds of force. Yes, you read that right.

What We Like About the Camo Hercules Heli

The Camo Hercules has more to offer than its unbreakable polymer airframe. It’s a ready to fly (RTR) model that’s dead easy to pilot even for raw beginners. This bird is so stable in the air that it’s almost impossible to crash by accident. A single rear rotor improves stability further. It’s practically bolted to the sky whether you hover or move up, down, backward, forward, left or right.

In the box of a new Camo Hercules helicopter:

  • Camo Hercules unbreakable RC heli
  • 3.5CH remote controller
  • Spare set of blades
  • Rechargeable flight battery
  • Wall charger
  • Instruction booklet

The flight range is around 75ft (23m) which is a lot further than other models on this page. Battery charging is average at 60+ minutes. The flight time is the biggest letdown (see next).

The Not So Good

Maximum flying time is average at 9 minutes but still depressing when you’re having fun. Extra 3.7V 1100mAh LiPo batteries cost around 17 dollars or less at the time of writing.

View on Amazon

 

Tech Specs
Model Type: Coaxial camo RC heli
Dimensions: 25.5 x 4 x 9.8”
Product Weight: 18.4 oz.
Max Range: 75ft (23 meters)
Battery: 3.7V 1100mAh LiPo
Max Flight Time: 9 minutes
Charging Time: 60+ minutes
Makers Suggested Age: 8+ years
The Pros
100% ready to fly (RTR)
Easy for beginners to control
Camouflage decor
Ultra-strong polymer body
Bright LED Lights
Built-in stabilizing gyro
Single rear rotor
The Cons
Poor flight time
0/50 ratings