The machines
Verhagen X2 helicopters exist in two versions. The standard fuel powered X2-Special, available with 26, 60 and 80 cc engines. And the X2-Electrical, powered by a high performance battery pack. Of course, different applications ask for different helicopters. If you want a strong machine that will take 20 kilo's of payload 200 kilometres, without refuelling, the 80 cc X2-Special is your best option. But if you need to shoot high definition video for a wild life documentary, or do a low profile reconnaissance flight with infrared camera's, you might sway towards the very discreet and light X2-E.

Manual, semiautomatic or fully automatic?
Whatever machine you choose, there are other options to consider. You can select a fully automated 'drone' that will perform the same task over and over again until you tell it to stop. Or opt for computer aided flight, where artificial intelligence prevents the operator from going beyond performance boundaries. And in some circumstances, full manual is the only solution.

Manual operation by experienced pilot
If you need maximum performance, flexibility and intelligent interactive flight, you need a manually operated helicopter. A skilled remote control 'pilot' can make a

Verhagen X2 helicopter jump through hoops and do stunts that are impossible to computerise. By the way, this is not a skill easily learned. Trained helicopter pilots are irked by the 'out of body' experience of having to fly a helicopter without being inside it. To become a professional, months of intensive training is necessary.

Computer-enhanced manual operation
In this case, the operator tells the computer how and where to fly the helicopter. With automatic level control and automatic landing, this allows for smooth flight and easy operation. Usually, a one day training suffices. Disadvantage is of course that the computer will disallow any 'stunts'.

Fully automated operation
The helicopter with artificial intelligence features autonomous GPS-controlled flight, according to pre-programmed but adaptable flight plan, features fully automatic takeoff, auto-return to starting point and automated landing and docking. A derivative of this technique is computer aided visual flight control. The onboard camera observes and recognises landscape features and steers the helicopter to its target. These techniques, being tactically and politically sensitive, are available; although for security reasons some international restrictions may apply.