Overview
The Blade Aluminium and Composite Swashplate is an essential replacement and upgrade component for serious RC helicopter enthusiasts in the UK. Whether you're flying a Blade B450, B400, 330X, or 330S model, having a high-quality swashplate is crucial to maintaining precise cyclic and collective pitch control. This genuine Blade component combines lightweight aluminium construction with composite materials to deliver the perfect balance of strength, rigidity and responsiveness that discerning RC pilots demand. The swashplate is the mechanical heart of your helicopter's control system, translating servo inputs into precise blade pitch changes that determine your aircraft's movement and stability in flight.
For anyone involved in RC helicopter flying—whether you're a competitive pilot, weekend flyer, or someone rebuilding after a crash—the Blade Aluminium and Composite Swashplate represents a genuine OEM solution backed by Horizon Hobby's reputation for quality. This part is particularly valuable for UK RC car and helicopter enthusiasts who understand that using authorised Blade components ensures compatibility, performance and longevity. Unlike generic alternatives, this swashplate has been engineered specifically for the Blade platform and includes all the ball studs you need for immediate installation.
The swashplate's hybrid construction—combining aluminium for structural strength with composite elements for weight reduction—makes it an ideal choice for both recreational flyers seeking reliable performance and serious RC pilots who need precision control for advanced manoeuvres. With genuine Blade engineering, you can be confident that your helicopter will respond exactly as designed when you need it most.
Key Features
- Hybrid Aluminium and Composite Construction — This swashplate combines the strength and rigidity of aluminium with the lightweight benefits of composite materials, creating a component that is both durable and responsive to servo inputs without adding unnecessary weight to your helicopter's head assembly.
- Includes 7 Ball Studs — The package comes complete with seven ball studs already included, which are the precision connection points that link your servos to the swashplate mechanism, ensuring you have everything needed for installation without purchasing additional components separately.
- Genuine Blade Component — As an authentic Horizon Hobby Blade part, this swashplate is manufactured to exact OEM specifications, guaranteeing perfect fitment and performance compatibility with your helicopter, something that cannot be assured with aftermarket or generic alternatives.
- Multi-Model Compatibility — This single part is compatible with four popular Blade helicopter models—the B450, B400, 330X, and 330S—making it an excellent spare to keep on hand if you operate multiple Blade platforms or are converting between models.
- Critical Control System Component — The swashplate is fundamental to your helicopter's control response, translating servo movements into precise blade pitch angles that control altitude, direction and stability, making a quality component absolutely essential for reliable flight performance.
Technical Performance
The Blade Aluminium and Composite Swashplate represents sophisticated RC helicopter engineering where material science and mechanical precision converge. The combination of aluminium and composite construction delivers several technical advantages: aluminium provides the structural rigidity necessary to maintain precise servo geometry under the dynamic loads experienced during flight, while composite materials reduce overall weight, improving your helicopter's power-to-weight ratio and responsiveness to control inputs. The swashplate assembly is the interface between your helicopter's servo system and the main rotor blade pitch control, meaning its precision directly affects how accurately your aircraft responds to cyclic (directional) and collective (altitude) commands. The seven included ball studs are precision-manufactured connection points that allow smooth, wear-resistant articulation between the swashplate and control linkages, critical for maintaining the tight tolerances required in competitive flying or demanding aerobatic manoeuvres. This OEM Blade component is engineered to withstand the repetitive mechanical stresses of regular operation whilst maintaining the dimensional accuracy needed for consistent control feel. Whether you're flying the nimble 330S, the popular 330X, the 400-class platform, or the larger B450 helicopter, this swashplate has been tested and validated to deliver the performance Blade pilots expect from genuine components.
What's in the Box
- 1x Blade Aluminium and Composite Swashplate
- 7x Ball Studs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this swashplate compatible with all Blade helicopter models? — No, this swashplate is specifically designed for the Blade B450, B400, 330X, and 330S models. Before purchasing, verify your helicopter's model number to ensure compatibility. Using an incorrect swashplate can result in poor control response or damage to your helicopter's control system.
- Why does my swashplate need replacing? — Swashplates can wear out or become damaged through normal use, crashes, or age-related composite degradation. Signs that replacement is needed include sloppy or unresponsive control inputs, visible cracks in the composite sections, or bent aluminium components that prevent smooth servo movement. Replacing the swashplate restores crisp control response.
- What is the purpose of the ball studs included with this swashplate? — The seven ball studs are precision connection points that attach your helicopter's control linkages and servo pushrods to the swashplate. They allow for smooth articulation whilst maintaining tight tolerances, essential for accurate and responsive control authority during flight.
- Can I use this swashplate as a performance upgrade on older Blade helicopters? — Only if your helicopter is one of the four compatible models listed. Using the wrong swashplate can cause mechanical binding, poor control response, or physical damage. Always verify model compatibility before installation.
- Do I need any tools to install this swashplate? — Whilst specific tooling recommendations aren't detailed in the source, swashplate replacement typically requires basic RC tools such as hex drivers and possibly a servo tester. Consult your helicopter's manual for detailed installation procedures specific to your model.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — Swashplate replacement is an intermediate-to-advanced maintenance task requiring mechanical understanding of helicopter control systems. Beginners should consider having an experienced RC pilot or technician perform the installation to ensure correct orientation and setup. However, if you're already comfortable maintaining your RC helicopter, this is a straightforward component to replace.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Blade Aluminium and Composite Swashplate: B450, B400, 330X, 330S Z-BLH1633 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
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