abstract
| - Hirobo Electric Corporation is a Japanese R/C model company best known for their line of high-quality radio controlled helicopter models, both nitro-powered and electric. Its parent company is Hirobo Limited. The company was founded October, 1949 as textile machine manufacturer Hiroshima Spinner, Limited. In 1957, the company partnered with Nichibo Company to form Hiroshima Synthetic Fiber Spinners Limited, today known as Unitika Limited. The name change to Hirobo Limited came about in 1970; the electronics division was established in April, 1973. Production of radio controlled models began in July that same year. By October, 1977, the company had completely withdrawn from the textile market. In the mid-1980's, Hirobo attempted to put their expertise in helicopters to use in the production of 1/10-scale, four-wheel-drive offroad buggies. The results were the technologically advanced Alien Mid4, Jealousy and Invader. All featured a 4x4 system operated via a Gilmer toothed belt, an innovation nearly unheard of at the time; most 4x4 cars of the period used a noisy, power-robbing metal chain to transfer power to the front wheels. Despite their advances, Hirobo cars were very expensive and therefore limited their exposure to racers. Distribution in the important North American market was weak as well, leading to Hirobo's withdrawal from the buggy market. Hirobo continues to be a leader in helicopters of all price ranges, including the coaxial-bladed XRB Sky Robo indoor helicopter.
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