Spy On Your Neighbor!

Most radio-controlled planes just fly around, but this one functions as a real spy plane!

The Estes Remote-Control Digital Camera Plane has a camera pod on top of it that can snap up to 26 digital pictures upon command. The 360-degree camera mount will let you capture color images from any angle, so you can take shots from the side, behind or in front of the plane as you fly it using the included controller. (Rechargeable batteries and a charger are included to power the plane.)

"All radio electronics are pre-installed, and the plane is factory painted and decorated to resemble a real AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft flown by the U.S. Air Force."

This remote-controlled plane may sound complicated, but it's actually designed to be flown by everyone from beginners to pros, ages 12 and up. It can perform climbs, dives and turns with two simple knobs. It has a giant, 55-inch wingspan, and using its twin ducted fan jet engines, it can reach heights of 1000 feet. (For smooth takeoffs, you can use the E-Z Launch Takeoff system.)

Once you've landed the plane, you can detach the camera pod for easy downloads of your aerial photos to your laptop or PC using the included USB cable and software.

Engineered to resist breakage, the Estes Remote-Control Digital Camera Plane's wings and tail surfaces simply plug into place, as do the engines and camera pod. This assembly protects each part from major damage due to rough landings and use (almost quaranteed to happen, according to the reviews).

The good news? You can buy this plane, with lots of accessories, at Wal-Mart for only $148.32! (Unbelievable deal!)

Note from Technophile: Put a high-resolution camera on this baby and you've got me! Yes, I know this may not be a good example of "Extreme Technology", but you have to admit it is cool, and a lot more fun than a 65-nanometer processor!

Source: [MacAddict Magazine, March, 2006]