In North America, Sanwa transmitters were marketed as Airtronics up until early 2016, which began as an independent company producing model airplanes.Sanwa, originally as part of Sansei Electric Industry, specialized in the research and development of remote control devices in 1959.In August that year it launched its first radio-controlled transmitter, the Mini Propo, and in 1976, Sanwa became an independent company.[4] While recovering from a heart attack in 1970, Renaud used his medical leave from his office-equipment company job to build radio-controlled airplanes.[3] Renaud earned a reputation with model aircraft such as the "Olympic", "Aquila", "Grand Esprit" and "Sagitta", amongst others.