| What you should consider before converting your RC | | | | - Engine Size: converting a standard.40 size RC gas |
| airplane gas engine to an electric motor system. With | | | | engine to an RC electric motor. |
| the changes in RC electric motor technology it is | | | | Now you need to determine what type of batteries |
| possible to fly ANY size model using RC plane electric | | | | you will need. This is based mostly on your budget and |
| motors. The biggest leap in making this possible has | | | | time till land variable. In other words, how long do you |
| been two fold. First we have model airplane electric | | | | want to fly for and still get performance. |
| engines that are powerful enough, not to mention much | | | | The most obvious choice is going to be a Lithium |
| more efficient, that they rival or even surpass gas | | | | Polymer battery, this is the most advanced battery |
| slimers/smokers/nitro hogs, or whatever else you may | | | | technology available for RC model airplanes. They are |
| call RC airplane gas engines. | | | | also the most expensive. Other older battery |
| In fact you can expect to see an increase in the | | | | technologies are available, such as, lithium ion and nickel |
| performance of a model airplane in several areas. | | | | metal hydride. They can do the job, but at a weight |
| Your take-off is shorter, climb rate will increase and | | | | cost and flying time consideration. So choose carefully. |
| you can now fly in areas that have noise restrictions. | | | | In the Arrow Example: We will use a 4200 mAh 11.1V |
| The debate between the benefits of RC plane electric | | | | Li-Poly Pack. This was determined based on the flight |
| and gas motors are as controversial as those | | | | performance we were after, some aerobatics, but |
| between PC and Mac users. It will continue for as long | | | | mainly stable easy going flying. Nothing too extreme. |
| as they are both in existence. | | | | As with any gas RC plane conversion to electric (or |
| Some questions you might be asking before you | | | | any electric radio controlled airplane for that matter), |
| convert your RC model airplane's gas engine to an RC | | | | you will have to consider an ESC (electronic speed |
| electric motor... | | | | control). This hooks up to the motor, battery, and |
| How long will the battery allow me to fly? With today's | | | | receiver. You will need to pick one that can handle the |
| Lithium Battery technology, you can easily expect 10 | | | | required number of battery packs, servos and have |
| minute flights, even in bigger aircraft. The days of | | | | programmable features. This will make life easier for |
| overheating the batteries and fire hazards are almost | | | | you if you pick one that is feature rich. Of all the |
| non-existent. There are many add on features that | | | | components, this is one to spend a little more on. You |
| you can now purchase that all but eliminate battery | | | | will be glad you did. |
| hazards. Such as temperature monitors and voltage | | | | For this example, we used a 40 Amp Brushless |
| indicators. | | | | Controller with Program features. There are lots of |
| Here are some questions to ask before you start | | | | manufacturers of ESC's so take the time to |
| buying any components. These questions will help | | | | reseaRCh them. |
| determine what components to buy. | | | | Prop Selection is an important consideration. You need |
| 1. What is the radio control plane that you are wanting | | | | to be aware that with an electric conversion there is a |
| to convert? Is it a trainer, sport plane, 3D etc.. This is | | | | possibility that your model plane will not have enough |
| important because you will need to determine the | | | | clearance when using an electric motor prop. It may |
| electric motor based on your models capabilities, and | | | | need modifications to the landing gear (making them |
| what you want it to do. | | | | longer) so that the prop has clearance. |
| Example: Hangar 9 Arrow with a.40 size gas engine. | | | | For the Arrow example we used an APC 13x10 |
| Would require an electric RC motor equivalent to a | | | | propeller. Most electric motors now have a table that |
| AXI 2826/12 External Rotor Brushless. This motor | | | | you can find on their website that will recommend the |
| would allow this model to perform basic aerobatics | | | | propeller range to stay within. |
| with its semi-symmetrical wing. | | | | One final consideration with RC gas planes converted |
| Specs of the Hangar 9 Arrow | | | | to electric. You always need to factor in cooling of the |
| You will need these numbers to help determine the | | | | battery pack and esc. In fact many modelers, including |
| motor, battery, and prop requirements. | | | | myself, put the ESC on the outside of the plane, usually |
| - Wingspan: 63 in | | | | I mount it under the engine on the firewall. You also |
| - Overall Length: 52.5 in | | | | need to make air vents to cool the battery inside the |
| - Wing Area: 710 sq in | | | | model. Without this, you run the risk of overheating |
| - Flying Weight: 5.7 lb (as a radio controlled gas plane) | | | | batteries and ESC's. |