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Solutions For Novices

New to electric flight?

Don’t know where to start?

Want some simple answers?

Then this section is for you.

By now you have some general ideas about what you want to fly.  We are going to assume that you’re looking at a fixed wing model, and don’t want something too big, aggressive or expensive to start with. 

We’ve picked a handful of models that will be close to the sort of aircraft you want to fly.  So look at the size and type of plane we’ve described and find one that matches your project or is close to it.  You can then use our data to select what you need without having to understand the engineering behind the information.  That can come later.

If anything our sample aircraft are over-specified so there is some tolerance in your selection but they will put you in the right ball-park.

Use the key information that we’ve identified to make your own decision on brand and source.

There are four steps to follow;

  • find one of our models that is a close match to what you want,
  • look at the equipment list to see how its been set up
  • Take note of the key characteristics and develop your buying guide
  • Select a vendor’s products are a good match to the key parameters.

Out of the Box – 2M Glider

Radian by ParkZone

The Radian is a 2 meter wingspan foam glider with rudder and elevator controls, a small brushless motor and LiPo battery.  Its safe model for novices and is popular for ‘one class’ competitions.  In Ready to Fly (RFT) format it comes with everything, including transmitter, batteries and charger.  A Plug and Play option model is available if you already have a transmitter.  Just provide a compatible receiver and the recommended 3S 1300mAh LiPo.

25 - 30 Size Sports

As a basis of comparison of an aircraft in the .25 to .30 sports range we have selected the De Havilland Beaver, an ARF from E-Flite.

Wing Span: 1735mm (68 in)

Flying Weight: 2.2 - 2.8 kg (4.9 - 6.2 lbs) nominal – actual 2.375 kg

40 Size Sports/Aerobatic

The Kaos has a fully symmetrical wing and is capable of basic aerobatics by an intermediate RC pilot.  The model pictured was built from a kit.

Wing Span: 1400mm (55 in)

Flying Weight: 2.5-2.7 kg (5.5 - 6 lbs) nominal – actual 2.2 kg

Recommended IC Engine – 2-stroke .40-.46

60 Size Trainer

Wing Span: 1900mm (74 in)

Flying Weight: 3.3 Kg (4.9 - 6.2 lbs) nominal – actual 3.9Kg

Recommended IC Engine – 60 2 stroke

60-90 Size Sports

Spitfire - Sportsman Aviation ARF

Wing Span: 1640mm (64 in)

Flying Weight: 3.0-3.4 kg (6.75 – 7.5lbs) nominal – actual 4.05 kg

Recommended IC Engine – 60-90 2 stroke

Old Timer

The 70% Lanzo Bomber pictured is set up to compete in Electric Old Timer Duration events, aiming for 10 minute flight with no more than 35 sec motor run.

Equipment Table

 

 

 

Example 1

Task

Pick a set up for a 60 size Clipped Wing Piper Cub ARF.

Typical supplier’s data:

Wingspan: 2110 mm (83 in)

Weight: 4310-5440 g (9.5-12 lb)

Requires: 2-stroke .60-.90 cu in

Comparison

This aircraft is a close match to the 60 size trainer in size and performance, leaning towards the 60-90Sports/Scale in weight.

Buying Guide

Motor

max continuous current             around 60-80 amps

power at max current                 around 1000 W

  1. kv350-400 rpm/v
  2. weightaround 400 g
  3. diameter50 mm
  1. ESC60 - 80 amps

Battery

  1. Capacityaround 3000 mAh

C Rating                                   20-25C

  1. Configuration6S1P
  1. Prop16x10

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Example 2

 

Task

Pick a set up for a 40 size Clipped Wing Piper Cub ARF.

Typical supplier’s data:

Wingspan: 1560 mm (61.5 in)

Weight: 2950-3400 g (6.5-7.5 lb)

Requires: 2-stroke .40-.60 cu in

Comparison

This aircraft should fly slower than the 40 Sports Aerobatic but is heavier than the 25 sports. Weight is closer to the 60 size trainer

Buying Guide

Motor

max continuous current             between 50 - 60 amps (between 25 sports and 40 aerobatic)

power at max current                 around 750 W (between 25 sports and 40 aerobatic)

  1. weightaround 250-300 g
  2. diameter30-40 mm
  1. ESC60 - 80 amps

Battery

  1. Capacityaround 3000 mAh

C Rating                                   20-25C

  1. Configuration3-4S1P (between 25 sports and 40 aerobatic – like Old Timer)
  1. Prop12x7 (between 25 sports and 40 aerobatic)
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