| What happened to that mosquito snarl that always | | | | 11,100 RPM when using an 11.1v Li-Po. This information, |
| seemed to accompany the sight of model airplanes? | | | | combined with the prop type and weight of the plane |
| The answer is they're going electric and silent. Li-Po | | | | gives you all the data needed to calculate the final |
| (Lithium Polymer or Li-Poly) batteries are rapidly | | | | thrust output of a given motor. |
| becoming the standard power source for electric | | | | The amperage rating of Li-Po batteries is rated in |
| model airplanes. Li-Po batteries are smaller, lighter and | | | | milliamp hours (mAh). This technical term describes |
| hold more power than their predecessors (Nickel | | | | how long the Li-Po will provide electrical power in much |
| Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride). There are three | | | | the same way that the size of the fuel tank on a glow |
| specifications that need to be taken into consideration | | | | powered airplane will dictate how long the engine can |
| when making a Li-Po battery purchase for your | | | | keep running. Typical electric RC model airplane flights |
| electric model airplane. | | | | can last 20%-50% longer when using Li-Po compared |
| The voltage of the battery will tell you how powerful it | | | | to other batteries. The larger the mAh rating, the bigger |
| is, the amperage rating will give you an idea how long it | | | | and heavier the battery will be. This is a major factor |
| will last, and the burst/constant power rating will tell you | | | | to take into consideration when putting together any |
| how quickly the power will discharge. A major | | | | electric RC model aircraft. |
| difference between Li-Po batteries and others | | | | Li-Po battery burst rates describe the output |
| available for RC model airplane use is that it is much | | | | characteristics of the battery. Burst rates tell you how |
| easier to mistreat the battery thereby creating unsafe | | | | much power the battery is safely capable of |
| situations the consequences oc which can be | | | | discharging in one big burst. This number is often higher |
| dramatic. Li-Po batteries can be very dangerous if you | | | | than the constant power rating. Once the burst of |
| don't follow all of the safe handling procedures set out | | | | energy has been discharged, the constant power |
| by the battery manufacturers. | | | | rating tells you where the power output will settle |
| In most cases, Li-Pos used for model airplanes come in | | | | down to. |
| two voltage ratings ratings; 11.1v and 7.4v. The rating | | | | Li-Pos come with very strict safety guidelines that tell |
| dictates how many volts the battery will discharge to | | | | you how to care for them. Charging rates, charging |
| your brushless RC motor. Electric RC model aircraft | | | | times, and damaged battery disposal procedures just |
| motors themselves have ratings that relate to this | | | | to name a few. Damage to your RC electric model |
| voltage discharge specification. The voltage of a Li-Po | | | | airplane can be avoided by following these guidelines. |
| battery is directly tied to the RPM output of a | | | | Properly matched brushless motors and Li-Po batteries |
| brushless motor in that a motor rated for 1000kvm will | | | | can provide hours of clean and quiet flying enjoyment. |
| rotate 1000 times per minute for every volt it receives | | | | Take the time to understand everything that's involved |
| from the battery. In other words, a 1000kvm motor is | | | | with a Li-Po setup and you will have more fun and |
| capable of 7400 RPM when using a 7.4v Li-Po, and | | | | more time in the sky with your electric model airplane. |