PicoZ Apache Micro Helicopter

If the movies are anything to go by, piloting a military attack chopper is a real laugh. Not only do you get to wear a Rambo-style bandana and scream 'She's going down!' a lot, you also get to sit in the hot seat of an awesomely cool flying machine while your passengers get buffeted by the elements through permanently open doors.

But what has all that got to do with the PicoZ Apache Micro Helicopter? Not much to be honest. But seeing that this palm-sized RC flying machine is based on just such a weapon of war, we thought we'd get you in the mood.

Ready-to-fly straight out the box, the Apache looks just like the legendary whirlybird made famous by the US military. The only difference is, it's a tad smaller and made from robust, crash-resistant polypropylene foam. But that's a good thing because being only 17cm long and weighing a mere 10g makes it ideal for indoor sorties around the home and office. And unlike reinforced steel, polypropylene is kind to novice pilots. Not that you'll be crashing much because an auto-stability system makes flying this baby a snap.

The Apache's potent micro motors are powered by a lightweight lithium polymer battery, giving flight times of up to 10 minutes from a 30 minute charge. Once you get the hang of the controls you'll be shocked and awed by this khaki-colored contraption. Speaking of which, you control the airborne action via a twin channel, wide-beam infra-red transmitter that doubles up as a charger. Old-style petrol-driven monsters? No thanks!

With a range of up to 30ft, you'll soon be conducting lightning raids on the coffee table and hovering over the water cooler in a highly ominous fashion. You can even strut around Colonel Kilgore-style while humming Flight of the Valkyries. We love the smell of polypropylene in the morning!