December 2012 Notable Toys — Aircraft

The rotors allow for flex, so should there be a crash (an R/C heli nightmare), LitehHawk is tough enough to stand up to impacts that others simply cannot. Gyro stabilization allows LiteHawk to fly effortlessly, no "twitch", no headaches...just stable flight. The 2 in 1 Remote Control is a charger for the LiteHawk too. Simply plug the Remote into the helicopter and the on-board Lithium batteries take care of the rest.
— Marc Holcomb, owner of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 12 of these helicopters each month, making them a best selling aircraft/flying toy in the store.
— In a July 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that LightHawk Helicopters are his store's best-selling electronic or battery-operated toy. "I'm selling about 12 a month," he said.

A collection of 6 colorful foam gliders that assemble in minutes without glue or scissors. With the catapult launchers, there beauties fly up to 150 feet.
— Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 24 of these each month, making them a best selling aircraft/flying toy.

This little flying Astronaut has twin rotor propulsion, Bright diode lights and ultrafine micro components. The Rapid Battery Charging Unit requires 8 AA batteries, Not Included. The Infrared Remote Controller requires 3 AG13 batteries (included). The 3.5-inch spaceman has an on-off switch. Recommended for indoor use only.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 6 of this item each month.

The Flash Flyer is truly the modern boomerang. The flexible round disc is capable of flying a whopping 40 feet and returning exactly from where it is launched. It is easy to launch and can stay aloft for long periods of time. Makes for a fun game of flying catch. The Alien Flyer can even spin and hang on a ceiling or wall. Plus, it lights up. The Flash Flyer has smart-sensor technology that automatically turns on super-bright LED lights when launched, creating a rainbow of color in the dark.
Awards: 2011 Good Housekeeping’s Best Toy Award
— Deborah Smith from Toys That Teach in Richmond, Va. told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that AFO Flash Flyers were one of her top-2 best selling aircraft/flying toys.

Unique Hand Powered Launcher Sends Planes Soaring Up to 30 Feet. Perfect for indoor and outdoor flight. Adjustable wing flaps for incredible aerodynamic stunts. Realistic jet engine sounds at take off. Set includes launcher and three planes. Batteries needed for sound only.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Snap'n'Soar was the best selling aircraft/flying toy in their store.
— In a November 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Kid Galaxy Snap and Soar is a best-selling flying toy.

Take office warfare into the sky with the Dream Cheeky iStrike Shuttle. This 3-channel Helicopter is wirelessly controlled by the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad through Bluetooth®. With the free and fully equipped iStrike Controller app users can make the iStrike Shuttle go where no Dream Cheeky gadget has gone before. Make it hover above the unsuspecting heads of targets and drop an iStrike Bomb at the exact right moment. Its unique design and flying pattern give the iStrike Shuttle an almost human character. Yet it’s surprisingly easy to control. It even comes with an attachable bright orange training wheel that makes landing easier. Launch date: November 2012.

Introducing the GYRO Hercules 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter. The WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY UNBREAKABLE RC HELICOPTER. This RC helicopter has super strong polymer frame. The Helicopter's body can take up to 200 pounds of force. You can even step on it and it won't break. This awesome Helicopter comes with the greatest advancement in Helicopter Technology, a Gyro. No more crashing, no more replacing parts, the GYRO has changed the Helicopter industry completely, making this RC Helicopter super easy to fly. Great for people of all skill levels, this bad boy features a coaxial rotor a single rear rotor for precise movement and a GYRO for increased stability whether flying or hovering. Controlling the Hercules is a breeze. It can go forward, backward, up, down, left, right and hover. What really makes the GYRO Hercules stand out is the built in gyroscope making it automatically stabilize allowing you to focus on flying instead of trying not to make it crash. This product is ready to fly, there is no assembly required. Launch date: November 2012.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Top Toy Debut Award

No target is safe from the pinpoint accuracy of the missile-launching Air Hogs Hover Assault Radio-Controlled Helicopter. Children can take aim and blast with the push of a button. Kids can use the arsenal of plastic missiles to attack stationary targets or engage in full on air-to-air combat. With Steady Fly Technology, kids can engage targets like never before. Turn any room into the ultimate battleground with the Air Hogs Hover Assault Radio-Controlled Helicopter. Launch date: 2012.

Customize this fleet of 5 durable foam planes with color-in stickers, markers, and metallic accents. The soft but tough foam bodies are easy to assemble and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Wingspan measures 7". For ages 5 and up.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20