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Horizon Hobby

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Horizon Hobby, LLC is an American multinational hobby-grade RC radio control (RC) model, model train manufacturer, and distributor. It was founded by Rick Stephens, Janet Ottmers, Debra Love, and Eric Meyers,[1] in July 1985,[2] and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.[3] Horizon Hobby products are sold in more than 50 countries.[4] Additional facilities are in California and in the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. [4]

History

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The Early Years - 1985-1999

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After Great Planes Model Distributors and Tower Hobbies merged in 1984, Hobbico, Inc. was created.[5] In July 1985, Stephens, along with Janet Ottmers, Debra Love, and Eric Meyers, formed Horizon Hobby.[5] October 1, 1985, was the first day of official business as the team started shipping inventory on orders they’d been taking the months prior. The company began distributing product lines such as Goldberg, Royal, K&B, Sullivan, and Du-Bro.[5]

In 1986, a second distribution center was opened in Paso Robles, California, allowing Horizon Hobby to service retailers west of the Rockies.[1] A year later, a third distribution center was opened in Ashland, Virginia, creating the ability to service retailers on the East Coast.[6]

The first proprietary brand, Dynamite, was created in 1988.[6]

Horizon Hobby purchased Hobby Dynamics in 1992 and secured exclusive distribution rights to brands such as JR radios and Saito engines, among others.[1]

Horizon Hobby acquired Indy R/C in 1998 and remade it into the first iteration of horizonhobby.com.[1] The early site featured the latest products, links to tech articles, a dealer locator, and more.

The Revolutionary Years - 2000-2017

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In 2000, Horizon Hobby introduced the HobbyZone Firebird, the world's first Teach-Yourself-to-Fly RC airplane. The Firebird featured a patented design and a user-friendly two-channel control system, making it accessible to new enthusiasts. This all-inclusive package included the airplane, battery, charger, and radio, allowing beginners to fly on the very same day. [1]

Horizon Hobby merged with Team Losi, known for its leadership in engineering high-performance RC racing vehicles, in 2000.[6] This collaboration led to the launch of the Losi Mini-T in 2003, further enhancing the product portfolio.[6]

Another milestone came in 2004 with the introduction of the first 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radio systems for radio control models at the iHobby Expo in Rosemont, Illinois.[6][7] Originally developed by Paul Beard,[7] this technology is akin to what's used in cell phones and Wi-Fi routers. ¬

Horizon Hobby welcomed Athearn Trains in 2004,[6] adding a comprehensive line of model railroad products, including train sets, locomotives, cars, controllers, tracks, and accessories.

2005 witnessed the introduction of three proprietary brands: Spektrum radios and accessories, Blade helicopters, and ParkZone planes.[6][8] These brands brought innovative RC technology to hobby-quality aircraft, featuring plug-and-play accessories and multiple flight modes.

Joe Ambrose assumed the role of CEO in 2008.[9]

In 2009, Horizon Hobby created Airmeet, an annual event held at the airfield in Donauwörth, Bavaria.[6][10][11] Airmeet blends RC displays and flying with full-size airplanes and flight shows.

2010 saw the introduction of Spektrum AirWare firmware, allowing for pilot programming and customization.[12]

In 2011, Horizon Hobby unveiled the Blade CX2, the first coaxial mini helicopter with 2.4GHz control.[6] The same year, Team Losi Racing introduced the 22 platform [12], winning numerous national and international titles and industry accolades.

In 2012, the Losi 5IVE-T 1/5 scale 4WD Off-Road Truck earned the title of Car Action Magazine Truck of the Year. [12]

2013 brought the introduction of the E-flite Apprentice, heralded as the most intelligent RC airplane ever offered at the time. [12] Continuing to serve RC beginners, Horizon Hobby launched the ECX Torment and Ruckus, the first monster truck and short course truck specifically designed for novice enthusiasts.[12]

In 2014, Horizon Hobby underwent a significant change as it was acquired by a group of investors led by Joe Ambrose, forming Horizon Hobby, LLC. [1][13]

The year 2015 brought the Blade Inductrix, the first ultra-micro First-Person View (FPV) quadcopter designed to be accessible to all skill levels.[6] In the same year, Horizon Hobby introduced SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) Technology, enhancing the safety and ease of flying RC aircraft.[6]

2016 marked the introduction of AVC (Active Vehicle Control) Technology, a groundbreaking advancement in RC vehicle stability and control.[6]

Horizon Hobby continued to push the boundaries in 2017 with the introduction of the iX12, the industry's first internet-capable radio transmitter.[6]

Since its inception in 2017, Horizon RC Fest has grown to become the largest gathering of radio-controlled cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and drones in the Midwest.[6][10][14] This three-day event brings thousands of enthusiasts[6] together to enjoy everything radio control, featuring demo stations, "Try Me" tents, air and racing shows, and more.

The Post-Hobbico Years: 2018-Present

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In 2018, then-CEO Joe Ambrose led the efforts to purchase Hobbico.[1][15][16]

Logic RC became the UK distributor of Horizon Hobby products in 2018.[8]

Launched in 2019, the Spektrum Smart Technology ecosystem puts enthusiasts in complete control of their equipment as well as making vital components of their model more accessible and easier to use.[6]

After the untimely passing of Joe Ambrose in January 2019, Chris Dickerson was named President.[9][17]

In 2020, Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of Pro-Line Racing,[18] the leading innovator in the RC performance and customization accessory market, and PROTOform, the world’s premier RC racing body manufacturer delivering the most innovative, functional, and attractive on-road RC race bodies on the market.[6][18]

In 2021, Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of AKA Products.[19] In November of that same year, Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of RC flight simulator software, RealFlight, from Knife Edge Software.[6][19][20][21]

In 2023, Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of Trinity Racing, a premier developer and manufacturer of RC racing accessories.[6][22]

Proprietary Brands

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Horizon Hobby consists of several brands:[23]

  • AKA
  • ARRMA
  • Athearn
  • Axial
  • Blade
  • Dromida
  • Duratrax
  • Dynamite
  • E-flite
  • ECX
  • Evolution
  • FMS
  • Hangar 9
  • Hobby Essentials
  • HobbyZone
  • Losi
  • McHenry Couplers
  • Onyx
  • O.S. Engines
  • Pro Boat
  • Pro-Line Racing
  • PROTOform
  • RealFlight
  • Roundhouse
  • Saito
  • Spektrum
  • Team Losi Racing
  • Top Flite
  • Trinity Racing
  • Vaterra
  • Zenoah

Events

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Horizon Hobby hosts several radio control gatherings:[10]

Airmeet Airmeet is an annual RC event held in Donauwörth, Bavaria.[6][10][11]

RC Fest RC Fest is an annual RC event held at Eli Field in Monticello, Illinois.[6][10][14]

AxialFest There are two Axialfest locations held each year – Axialfest itself in Pollock Pines, California, and Axialfest Badlands in Attica, Indiana.[24][25]

Pro-Line by the Fire Held annually in Apple Valley, California, Pro-Line by the Fire is three days of RC events and family fun.[10]

Innovations

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Horizon Hobby has championed many radio control innovations.

2.4GHz Technology

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2.4GHz Technology was introduced at the 2004 iHobby Expo at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Similar to the technology in computers and telephones, it eliminated interference, increased signal resolution, pioneered the way for better communication and faster response rates for RC models, and made the frequency flag and transmitter impounds obsolete.[6][26][27]

DSMR and DSMX Technology

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DSMR and DSMX are wideband, frequency-agile 2.4GHz signal protocols and the most advanced spread spectrum RC technology. The DSM stands for Digital Spectrum Modulation and is what creates pure digital control providing an impenetrable radio link immune to all types of interference.[6][26][27]

Bind-N-Fly RC Aircraft

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A single Spektrum radio transmitter can be bound to (or paired with) multiple Bind-N-Fly (BNF) aircraft that come with a Spektrum receiver installed. All Spektrum transmitter owners need to do to fly is choose the BNF airplane, helicopter, or quadcopter they want to fly and bind the receiver to their transmitter.[28]

AS3X (Artificial Stabilization – 3-aXis) Technology

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AS3X technology works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of turbulence and torque. It allows for RC pilots to feel like they’re flying an expertly tuned model in any weather condition.[29]

SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) Technology

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Using a combination of sensors and flight control software, SAFE technology makes an RC aircraft aware of its attitude relative to the ground. This attitude awareness makes it possible to program all types of aircraft, fixed wing or rotor, with multiple flight modes that are specialized for different applications or experience levels.[6][30]

AVC (Active Vehicle Control) Technology

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Using sensors and exclusive software, AVC makes hundreds of steering and throttle corrections per second so drivers can go faster without having to work as hard to stay in control.[6][31]

Smart Technology

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Spektrum Smart Technology is an RC ecosystem that puts drivers and pilots in complete control while making vital components easier to use than ever before. Smart technology ensures the model's electronics work together seamlessly for the greatest efficiency and performance. It provides real-time telemetry without the clutter and cost of additional cords and components and makes the entire system more responsive and simpler to use.[6][32]

MS6X (Motorcycle Stabilization – 6-aXis) Technology

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Designed to work behind the scenes, an MS6X System delivers instantaneous corrections regarding banking, self-leveling, wheelie control, and more, with a natural feel and wholly accurate commands for two-wheeled radio control vehicles.[33]


Notes

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FMS, a brand famous for its FCX24 and FCX24M Land Rover licensed series[34] of RTR 1/24 scale RC crawlers, is not the FMS brand operated by Horizon Hobby, even thought there are FMS Ranger RC airplanes from both[35][36]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g P., William (January 1, 2019). "The Rise of Horizon Hobby". Model Airplane News (January 2019): 10. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  2. ^ "Rick Stephens". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  3. ^ "L&S sold to Horizon - 7/5/2007 11:52:00 AM - Playthings". Archived from the original on 2007-06-19. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  4. ^ a b Horizon Hobby (Report). Mill City Capital LP. January 1, 2014. p. 10. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  5. ^ a b c Haughn, Rachelle. "Rachelle Haughn interviews Eric Meyers, cofounder of Horizon Hobby". The Park Pilot (Fall 2020). Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Our History". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  7. ^ a b Haughn, Rachelle (2013-03-01). "The AMA History Project Presents: Biography of Paul Beard" (PDF). Model Aviation. Academy of Model Aeronautics. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  8. ^ a b "Horizon Hobby - A Short History". Al’s Hobbies. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  9. ^ a b McGee, Noelle (2019-01-08). "A Life Remembered: Horizon Hobby CEO was 'hands-on with the entire company'". The News-Gazette. Champaign, IL. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  10. ^ a b c d e f "Our Signature Events". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  11. ^ a b "Horizon Hobby Airmeet". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  12. ^ a b c d "Who We Are". Horizon Hobby. Archived from the original on 2019-12-16. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  13. ^ "Horizon Hobby being sold to investors". The News-Gazette. Champaign, IL. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
  14. ^ a b "Horizon Hobby RC Fest". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  15. ^ Zigterman, Ben (2018-03-24). "Horizon Hobby agrees to make $18.8M bid for Hobbico units". The News-Gazette. Champaign, IL. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  16. ^ Zigterman, Ben. "Bankruptcy judge OKs Horizon's purchase of Hobbico's RC business". The News-Gazette. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
  17. ^ "RCGroups Interview with Horizon Hobby President Chris Dickerson". RC Groups. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  18. ^ a b Vogel, Greg (2020-08-10). "Horizon Hobby Acquires Pro-Line Racing". RC Driver. Brookfield, CT. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  19. ^ a b "Horizon Hobby Acquires AKA Racing Products". Radio Control Car Action. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  20. ^ "Horizon Hobby Acquires RealFlight Flight Simulator". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  21. ^ Trevor, Jim (2021-11-04). "Horizon Hobby Acquires RealFlight Flight Simulator". RCGroups.com. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
  22. ^ "Horizon Hobby Acquiring Trinity Racing". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  23. ^ "Our Brands". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  24. ^ "Axialfest". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  25. ^ "Axialfest East". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  26. ^ a b "Spektrum DSMX Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  27. ^ a b "Spektrum DSMR Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  28. ^ "Spektrum Bind-N-Fly Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  29. ^ "Spektrum AS3X Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  30. ^ "Spektrum SAFE Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  31. ^ "AVC (Active Vehicle Control)". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  32. ^ "Smart Technology". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  33. ^ "Spektrum MS6X". Spektrum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  34. ^ "About Us". FMS Model. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  35. ^ "1220mm Ranger EP RC Airplane | RTF/PNP with Reflex V2 Tech". FMS Model. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  36. ^ "FMS Ranger 1800mm PNP with Reflex | Horizon Hobby". www.horizonhobby.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
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