Radio control:

Radio control (a.k.a. R/C) is the use of radio signals to remotely control another device. The term is used frequently to refer to the control of model cars, boats, airplanes, and helicopters from a user-held control box (radio). Industrial, military, and scientific research organizations make use of radio-controlled vehicles as well.

General use of radio control started in the early 1950s using single-channel self-built, then commercial equipment. Hard valve electronics initially used escapement (often rubber driven) mechanical actuation in the model.

Model aircraft :

Model aircraft are flying or non-flying models of existing or imaginary aircraft, often scaled down versions of full size planes, using materials such as balsa wood, foam and fiberglass. A vast array of designs are possible, from very simple gliders, to highly accurate scale models, some of which can be very large.

And those not intended to fly, are scale models commonly built using plastic, wood, metal or paper. Some static models are scaled for use in wind tunnels, where the data acquired is used to aid the design of full scale aircraft.