The military did a lot of the early R/C development in their target drone program. My Father worked on Navy drones at China Lake NAS during the mid to late 50's. I was born during a live firedemonstration of some new air defense artillery while my Dad washelping withthe drones. His interest in model aircraft remained after he left the service, and that's how my brother and I got into R/C. My Dad died last December, and I know there're pics of the drones and controllers for them. Will post when I find them.

Came in here to say this.

Tesla should be the first mention in any 'History of R/C' article. The man practically invented every major form of wireless data transmission and communication in use today.

thanks argess. best post.