RC Battleships That Shoot: Model Warship Combat Explained
RC battleships that really shoot are built for model warship combat, an organised club hobby. Members of groups like the IRCWCC (International Radio Controlled Warship Combat Club) build 1:144 scale models of WWI and WWII warships, radio controlled and armed with CO2-powered BB cannons, and battle on ponds by shooting holes in each other’s thin balsa hulls until ships take on water and sink. At 1:144 scale, an Iowa-class battleship model is about 6 feet long. Toy battleships that fire water or foam also exist.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
How warship combat works
Ships are built with thin balsa or similar hulls in the areas that can be hit, with pumps to remove water. Cannons fire BBs using compressed CO2. During battles, teams manoeuvre their ships, firing at opponents’ hulls; holes let water in, and points are scored for damage and sinking. Ships are recovered, patched and repaired between battles. The IRCWCC style is often called “fast gun” combat because cannons fire rapidly.
What a combat ship includes
| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hull with balsa sides | Scale shape, penetrable by BBs |
| CO2 system and cannons | Fire BBs |
| Pumps | Remove water from hits |
| Motors, rudder, radio | Control |
| Batteries | Power |
History
Modern model warship combat grew from experiments in the 1970s, including Stan Watkins’ early cannon built from plumbing parts in 1977, and developed into organised clubs with rules on scale, armament and safety. Today, groups in several countries hold regular battles.
Safety
- Eye protection is mandatory near battles.
- Combat only at organised events with rules.
- Never aim cannons at people or animals.
- Handle CO2 systems carefully.
- Check local laws on BB-firing devices.
Getting involved
- Contact a warship combat club and visit a battle.
- Learn the club’s rules on scale, speed and guns.
- Build a ship from plans with guidance from members.
- Practise driving and pumping before combat.
Toy shooting ships
For children and casual fun, toy RC battleships that fire water jets, foam projectiles or infrared “shots” are safer options. They’re smaller and simpler, and suit pools and ponds. Other military RC toys are covered in remote control military vehicles, and shooting toy helicopters in RC helicopters that shoot.
Club rules
Combat clubs set rules on scale, speed, cannon types and power, number of guns, and how damage is scored, so battles are fair and safe. Ships are inspected before events, and minimum hull thicknesses and armour limits keep battles balanced. Rules also cover where spectators and captains stand and how ships are retrieved. Reading your club’s rulebook before building saves a lot of rebuilding later.
Build time and cost
Building a combat warship is a long project: the hull, cannons, CO2 system, pumps and electronics take months for most builders. Costs include materials, CO2 equipment and radio gear. Many clubs help new members with plans, parts and advice, and some members sell used ships.
Watching a battle
Visiting a combat event is the best introduction. Spectators stand behind safety lines with eye protection, and captains are usually happy to explain their ships between rounds.
Many members also enjoy the research side: studying real ships’ plans and histories to build accurate models.
It’s a hobby that combines modelling, engineering and teamwork.
Clubs often have loaner ships so newcomers can try a real battle before building a ship of their own.
FAQ
Do RC battleships really shoot?
Combat models fire BBs with CO2; toys use water, foam or IR.
What scale are combat warships?
Commonly 1:144 in IRCWCC.
How do ships sink?
BB holes let water in faster than pumps remove it.
Is it safe?
With eye protection and club rules.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats 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
