Hirobo Helicopters in the USA: History, Models and Parts Today
Hirobo is a Japanese company, originally from textile machinery, that became one of the best-known RC helicopter makers with models like the Shuttle trainer, the SDX aerobatic helicopter and a range of scale helicopters. In the USA its helicopters were sold through importers for decades, but the brand has been largely inactive in recent years, many products are listed as discontinued, and dealer reports in 2025 said Hirobo was closing, with the date moved to March 2026. For US owners, keeping a Hirobo flying now means finding parts in the used market.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Notable Hirobo models
| Model | Type | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle (various versions) | .30-size glow trainer, later EP versions | Affordable, popular first collective-pitch heli |
| SDX | Aerobatic 50/90-size | Precision 3D and F3C flying |
| Freya, Sceadu | Sport/F3C and electric | Competition and sport |
| Scale models | Fuselage-based | Detailed scale helicopters |
From collector and dealer listings; many versions exist and most are now discontinued.
What’s happening to Hirobo
According to reports from the Japanese dealer RC Japan, shared on the HeliFreak forum, Hirobo announced in 2025 that it was closing, with the end date later extended to March 2026. Many Shuttle and SDX variants were already marked as discontinued. In practice this means no new kits and a shrinking supply of factory parts. Check with dealers for any remaining stock rather than relying on old catalogues.
Owning a Hirobo in the USA
- Parts: remaining dealer stock, online auctions, forum classifieds and fellow owners.
- Adaptations: standard bearings, servos, gyros and radios replace original items easily; rotor blades and some hardware from other brands may fit with care.
- 3D printing: enthusiasts print plastic parts for older models.
- Clubs: older club members often have spare parts and experience with these models.
Keeping one flying
- Inspect the main and tail drive, bearings and ball links; replace anything worn with standard parts.
- Fit a modern 2.4 GHz radio and a heading-hold gyro or a flybarless unit if the head allows.
- Replace fuel lines and glow plug on glow versions; check the clutch.
- Check plastic parts for brittleness and cracks before flying.
- Stock up on parts that crash first: blades, main shaft, feathering shaft, tail parts.
Collecting
Complete, original Hirobo helicopters with boxes and manuals are sought by collectors, especially early Shuttles and well-kept scale models. Unbuilt kits fetch the highest prices. If you plan to fly a collectible, keep the original parts and fit replacements where possible. More on older helicopters in vintage remote control helicopters.
Modern alternatives
For new pilots, a current brand with a parts supply is the better choice: Gaui, SAB Goblin, Align and others make electric and some nitro helicopters with parts in US shops. Compare models in Gaui helicopters. For scale fans, fuselage makers such as Vario and Roban fit modern mechanics into classic shapes.
Buying a used Hirobo
- Ask what spare parts come with it.
- Check for crash damage to frames and the tail boom.
- Price it as a project unless it’s proven to fly.
- Budget for new electronics.
From textile machines to rotor blades
Hirobo started as a maker of textile machinery in Hiroshima and moved into RC helicopters in the 1970s, at a time when model helicopters were still experimental. Its helicopters helped make the hobby practical, and Hirobo models were flown in F3C precision competitions for years. That history is why many older pilots still have a soft spot for the brand.
FAQ
Is Hirobo still in business?
Dealer reports in 2025 said it was closing, with the closing date set for March 2026.
Where can I buy Hirobo parts in the USA?
Mainly used parts from auctions, forums and club members.
Was the Hirobo Shuttle a good trainer?
It was one of the most popular entry collective-pitch helicopters of its era.
Can I fly a Hirobo with a modern radio?
Yes, any standard receiver and servos work.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
