Electric Flight Specialist since

Electric Flight Specialist since 1999

We suspect you are reading this because you would like to further your understanding of electric flight and benefit from the advantages offered by this method of powering model aircraft. Listed below are some basic bits of information, these may seem a little confusing or complicated initially but time taken to understand the principles will pay dividends should you decide to embark on this rapidly expanding branch of model flying.

If the thought of learning basic facts is a little off putting, and lets face it this is supposed to be a an enjoyable hobby! You may consider looking at our FAQ's page for answers to common questions.

If you are considering the change from IC power to electric then basically you need to replace the engine, fuel tank, throttle servo and associated linkages with a suitable electric motor, electronic speed controller (ESC) and battery pack, additionally you may want to discard the receiver battery pack and use the facility of a battery elimination circuit (BEC) available in most speed controllers.

Power in electric flight is usually measured in watts. For example: 1 horsepower = 746 watts

You determine watts by multiplying ‘volts’ times ‘amps’. Example: 10 volts x 10 amps = 100 watts

Volts x Amps = Watts

You can determine the power requirements of a model based on the ‘Input Watts per Pound’ guidelines found below, using the flying weight of the model

(with battery) 50-70 watts per pound; Minimum level of power for decent performance, good for lightly loaded slow flyer and park flyer models

70-90 watts per pound; Trainer and slow flying scale models

90-110 watts per pound; Sport aerobatic and fast flying scale models

110-130 watts per pound; advanced aerobatic and high-speed models

130-150 watts per pound; lightly loaded 3D models and ducted fans

150-200+ watts per pound; Unlimited performance 3D and aerobatic models

These guidelines are generally accepted but may vary depending on quality of motor and battery, type of motor and it’s relevant efficiency and prop size.

To enable successful electric flight you need to make informed decisions regarding the components to use, we can suggest a package of components. Please ring, e-mail

or follow our “How to select a motor….guide” on the help page.

To keep motor selection simple we have a range of IC equivalent outrunner motors with simple designations e.g. 600WATT 40 this means the nominal power of the

motor is 600Watts and is equivalent to a 40 size IC

Recent developments in cell technology now provide us with batteries to supply the power to our motors which are lighter than a tank full of fuel! The electric motor is almost certainly lighter than the IC motor therefore the power system is probably lighter than an equivalent IC motor / tank / servo! Combine this advantage with lighter construction as there is no vibration to consider, when building the model and you will find that electric powered models will out perform IC models!

As a guide you should try to achieve the following wing loadings and select a suitable motor to give the power (watts per pound) required.

* Less than 15 oz/sq.ft for a floater
* 15-20 oz/sq.ft for a cabin sport model/trainer
* 20-28 oz/sq.ft for a sport low wing, 30's, warbird, etc.
* Over 30 oz/sq.ft - You're on your own!

As with all model aircraft to achieve the best performance the airframe needs to be as light as possible. Just "think about adding lightness" whenever you are able to!