MA - Miniature_Aircraft (Walt Schoonard)

Miniature_Aircraft USA was started in 1978 by Walt and Florence Schoonard in Orlando, Florida. They began the business as an importer for the Schluter brand from Germany. In 1987, Walt Schoonard began to market his X-Cell line of model helicopters, starting with the 1001. The 1001 was a “60” size model, and quickly became one of the most popular R/C models of the time. Walt passed away in 1994, leaving Florence and her sons Tim and Ted in charge of the company. Over the years, Miniature_Aircraft USA has designed and manufactured many models under the X-Cell brand name. The X-Cell brand of models includes the Fury series, the first model helicopter specifically designed for aerobatic and 3d style flying.
 
In 2009, Miniature_Aircraft USA joined the FlyCo family and moved to Billings, Montana, Joining HeliProz, Ron’s HeliProz South, HeliWholesaler, Big Sky CNC, and Rocky Mountain Hobbiez.
 
Miniature_Aircraft USA continues to design and manufacture the best Radio Control, model helicopters in the world. The X-Cell brand is world renowned for quality and flight performance. We think that Walt would be proud to see that Miniature_Aircraft USA has not stepped away from the commitment to excellence he started over 30 years ago.

!! Miniature_Aircraft is alive and well in Germany, now -->  


Lot's of Miniature_Aircraft stuff here from Als Hobbysite --> X-Cell Model Identification


   
Introduced 1983 the Schlüter Superior and Walt Schoonard uses a 'single' stick transmitter; an American preferences.

 
Schlüter USA advert December 1983. Note the subscription for the new Helicopter magazine which is obviously Radio Controlled helicopters as Walt Schoonard was a contributing author.

 
Twin Star subject of column part five below. 

Regular articles by Walt in the magazine Radio Control Helicopters:
My love of Helicopters Part I , May 1983 part one - Dieter Schlüter and the Cobra.
My love of Helicopters Part II , Sep 1983 part two - learning to fly the Cobra and single stick transmitter.
My love of Helicopters Part III , Dec 1983 part three - getting better.
My love of Helicopters Part IV, Mar 1984 part four - manufacturing helicopter accessories.
My love of Helicopters Part V , Aug 1984 part five - scale helicopters.
My love of Helicopters Part VI , Mar 1985 part six - General 1984 helicopter meetings etc.
My love of Helicopters Part VII , Jun 1985 part seven - General comments on helicopter development.

Starting producing RC helicopters in 1987 with the X-cell range.

 Advert 1988    Advert 1989     X-cell Timeline
 

Model 1000  X-Cell 50
Model 1001
 		  X-Cell 60 (1987 - 1998) 
 X-Cell 60 ST (1999 - )
Model 1002  X-Cell 60 Quick Silver (circa 1990 )
Model 1003
 		  X-Cell 60 Custom (1990 - 1998)
 X-Cell 60 CT (1999 - 2002)
Model 1004
 		  X-Cell 60 Graphite (1994 - 1997)
 X-Cell 60 Graphite SE (1998 - 1999)
 X-Cell 60 SE (1999 - )
Model 1005
 		  X-Cell 60 Kit with White Frames & Tail boom Assy. (circa 1990 )
 X-Cell Gas Graphite (1993 - )
Model 1006
 		  X-Cell Pro (1994 - 1997)
 X-Cell Pro II (1998 - 2000)
 X-Cell Pro II WC
 X-Cell Pro 2K (2000 - )
Model 1008
 		  X-Cell 30 (Bent Frame 1989 - 19??)
 X-Cell 30 (Stacked Frame 2000 - )
Model 1009  X-Cell 40 (Bent Frame 1989 - 19??)
Model 1010  X-Cell 46 Graphite (1995 - 2000)
Model 1011
 		  X-Cell Pro 4 Stroke (1994 - 1997)
 X-Cell Pro II 4 Stroke (1998 - 2000)
Model 1012
 		  X-Cell 60 Graphite 4 Stroke (1994 - 1997)
 X-Cell 60 Graphite SE 4 Stroke (1998 - 1999)
Model 1015  Fury 50 Basic
Model 1016  Fury 50 Expert
Model 1017  Fury 60 Basic
Model 1018  Fury 60 Expert
Model 1020  Fury Extreme 90 (8.18 gear radio)
Model 1021  Fury Extreme 80 (8.45 gear radio)
Model 1022
 Tempest FAI
Model 1023
 Tempest 3D
Model 1024  Fury ION
Model 1025  Spectra G Gasser
Model 1026  X-Cell Stratus