Vintage RC Helicopters - Schluter Helicopters
SCHLUTER Helicopters Dieter Schluter
Considered as the 'founding father' of Model Radio Controlled Helicopters after his successful first five minute flight followed by the official 'World record' for a flight (not just hovering) of over 27 minutes; thus confirming that full control of an RC helicopter was possible. Note that previous to this there had been a number of other remote/radio controlled helicopters for military use etc however, these were bespoke and very specialised. Schluter was the first to successfully utilise model size engine and radio control equipment in a package that was relatively basic which any experienced modeller could build (however to fly it was another thing).
Dieter and cup
Below is a list of the Schluter models and first manufacturing year - note that Robbe took over distribution in the 80's and used the double-barrel name (Robbe-Schluter) until finally producing helicopters under their own brand name. I have considered the 'break' point as the Futura models and so this model and onwards will come under the Robbe section.
 | 1967/70 - Prototypes leading up to the successful Cobra flight |
| 1970/71 - Schluter "home-made" Bell-Huey Cobra |
| 1972 - Collaboration with Heigi to manufacture/distribute the Bell-Huey Cobra |
| 1973 - DS-22 (first batch of kits with floats) and Gazelle (Heigi pulls out of agreement) |
| 1974 - 'Schluter Modellbau' formed |
| 1975 - Heli-Baby |
| 1976 - Super-Baby |
| 1977 - Bell 222 |
| 1978 - Heli-Boy |
| 1979 - System 80 control system |
| 1979 - Bolkow Bo 105 and Hughes 500 |
| 1980 - JetRanger II and Cheyenne |
| 1981 - SX-81 |
| 1982 - Mini-Boy and AS355 Twin Star |
| 1983 - Superior |
| 1984 - Heli-Star and Augusta 109 |
| 1985 - Champion and Bell Long Ranger III |
| 1986 - BK 117 |
| 1987 - Junior 50 and Scout 60 |
| 1988 - System 88 control system |
| 1989 - Magic and Magic Ranger |
| 1989 - Bell 222 UT (Junior 50) |
Schluter logo.
Dieter has his own web pages www.dieter-schlueter.de and though in the German language (as you would expect) there are many interesting articles. Of interest is the 'Schluter museum' selected by clicking on "Zum Hubschraubermuseum" and then "Details der Vitrine". The picture below (hyperlinked to Schluter's site) opens up when this page is selected and then if you click over a specific item, a high resolution close up photo of that item will open up - neat.
Alternatively engage 'Google translate' and it covers his helicopters in detail and especially the beginning.
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