RC Helicopters That Shoot: Missiles, Water Beads, IR Battles and BB Myths
Shooting RC helicopters sold as toys fire soft foam missiles (for example the WLtoys V398 types), infrared “beams” for helicopter-vs-helicopter battle games, or, in a few cases, small water beads. A ready-made helicopter that fires real airsoft BBs is not a normal product, and building one is a bad idea: the recoil and weight overwhelm small helicopters, the BBs can injure people and animals, and attaching weapons to flying models is restricted or illegal in many places.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
What shooting helicopters fire
| Type | How it works | Safe for |
|---|---|---|
| Foam missiles | Spring or motor launcher fires soft darts one at a time | Play indoors and outdoors, not at faces |
| Infrared battle | IR beam; a hit counter on the other helicopter registers “damage” | Multiplayer games; nothing physical is fired |
| Water beads / gel | Small soaked gel balls from a small mechanism (rare) | Supervised outdoor play with eye protection |
| Airsoft BBs | Not offered as normal toys; DIY only | Not recommended |
Missile helicopters
Missile-shooting helicopters are usually 3.5- or 4-channel coaxial or single-rotor toys with a gyro and a magazine of a few foam missiles. A button on the transmitter fires one missile. They’re fun to aim at targets like paper cups, and the missiles are light enough to be harmless when used sensibly. Expect short flights (around 6–10 minutes) and a small range.
Infrared battle helicopters
IR battle sets come with two or more helicopters that “shoot” invisible infrared beams. When one is hit, it shakes, loses lift for a moment, or counts down lives until it lands. Since nothing is fired, they’re safe for indoor games and are the best choice for children and groups.
Why not real BBs?
- Weight and recoil: an airsoft mechanism, battery and BBs weigh more than a toy helicopter can lift, and recoil upsets its stability.
- Injury risk: 6 mm BBs fired from above can injure eyes, people and pets, and you can’t control what’s below you.
- Law: in many countries attaching weapons to drones or model aircraft is restricted; in the US, flying an unmanned aircraft with a dangerous weapon attached is prohibited under federal law. Check your local rules.
- Airsoft fields: games and fields generally don’t allow flying weapons.
Choosing a shooting helicopter
- For kids or indoor play: an IR battle set.
- For target practice: a foam missile helicopter with a gyro.
- Check spare missiles and batteries are included or available.
- 2.4 GHz radios let several helicopters fly at once without interference.
- Pick a simple, stable model; aiming while flying is hard.
For an RC helicopter to learn real flying skills, see best remote control helicopters for adults or helicopters under $100.
Games to play
Set up targets such as cups or a cardboard castle and score hits with missiles; run IR dogfights where the last helicopter flying wins; or do timed courses with landing pads. Always set rules about where people stand, and use eye protection for anything that fires a projectile.
Ground alternatives
If shooting is the main attraction, RC battle tanks with IR or BB/gel turrets are designed for it: they carry the weight easily and stay on the ground, which makes aiming far easier and safer.
FAQ
Is there an RC helicopter that shoots real BBs?
Not as a regular product; toy helicopters fire foam missiles, IR beams or occasionally water beads.
Are missile helicopters safe?
Yes with soft missiles, sensible use and never aiming at faces.
Can I mount an airsoft gun on a drone?
It’s unsafe and restricted or illegal in many places.
What is an IR battle helicopter?
A toy that fires infrared beams that register hits on another helicopter.
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
