A New Helicopter in the Swiss Model Aviation Scene: The Hughes 300 by Kobe Kiko

E. B. You have to give the Japanese credit for one thing. They never cease to amaze us with their keen sense for identifying market niches. With this new model helicopter, an affordable production model equipped with a two-stroke gasoline engine (Kawasaki 21 ccm) and magneto ignition is now available on the market for the first time for the average consumer.

The importer—Kurimpex Model Products, 38, rte. Joseph Chaley, 1700 Fribourg, Tel. 037 28 13 62—believed that this model, with its simple pull-start, would greatly simplify everyday flying. He was right in that assumption. It’s amazing how little effort it takes to head out to the flying field. Apart from the remote control, nothing else is needed: no glow plug battery, no launch battery, and therefore no starter. Just pull the cord, and the engine starts right up. Once it’s warmed up, it’s guaranteed to start before you’ve even fully pulled out the starter.

In flight, the model behaves well and is stable. It’s certainly understandable that, with a weight of nearly 7 kg, there’s no room for acrobatics. After all, this is a model built for fun, not for competitions. But it’s undoubtedly a lot of fun. And if you’re looking for a model helicopter that isn’t already owned by dozens of your fellow hobbyists, the Hughes 300 is the perfect choice. It attracts attention wherever it appears with its moped-like sound. Its very realistic flight characteristics are also consistently impressive.

The spare parts service from Fribourg works perfectly. Without this support, purchasing a model—regardless of the brand—could not be recommended. But as it is, the buyer can be certain that after a crash—and who hasn’t had one sooner or later?—they’ll be back in the air in no time.

A new helicopter in the Swiss model aviation scene: the Hughes 300 from Kobe Kiko.