Electric RC and Today’s Indoor Model Airplanes
Practical electric RC is the enabling technology for indoor flight
Big Guff radio control model airplane takes off
From when the first radio control model airplane flew in 1939, gas engines were the only realistic source of power. Electric motors existed in those early days. But even if some could have hand built a small motor for a model plane, the heavy batteries of the day precluded any sort of success for electric RC flight.
Pioneers forged ahead with various attempts at electric RC flight. The electric motors available used brushed commutators. While affordable and relatively lightweight, brushed motors did not yield much power. Model airplanes flew with brushless power, but performance was lacking. Designers were compelled to produce the lightest airframes possible and gear the motor and propeller in order to get adequate thrust. The limitation to successful electric RC flight remained with the heavy nickel cadmium batteries used for the rechargeable in-flight electrical power.
The introduction of brushless motors permitted for the first time truly powerful and lightweight electric power systems. Modelers quickly grasped the possibilities offered by the emergence of powerful lithium polymer batteries. Brushless motors using lipo batteries were the answer for everyday electric RC model aviation.
Geared brushed motor in Sig Demoiselle
Electric motor advantages
Electric motors offer a wide range of advantages for model airplane flight. Electric motors are inexpensive and provide silent power. They start instantly with the flip of a switch. There is no need to keep a supply of engine fuel on hand. Electric powered models can be built at a lighter structural weight due to a total lack of engine vibration. Lighter models fly better than heavier models.
Pilatus Porter electric scale model plane
The absence of engine noise associated with electric model airplane flight is an issue that should not be overlooked. Gas motors are loud. While mufflers provide some degree of noise mitigation, the whine of a typical gas powered model can be an irritant to neighbors and members of the public. Noise complaints are the number one reason that model airplane flying fields are forced to close.
A key factor in the acceptance of electric power for model airplane fight is the simplicity offered by electric motors. Once the motor is installed and properly connected to the electronic speed control and battery, there is very little else the modeler needs to do in order to keep everything in working order.
Electric motors offer simplicity
Electric RC brushless motors require no maintenance. No timing adjustments, no lubrication, no calibration. Motors start without hesitation and run for the entire flight.
Early ignition model airplane gas engine
A pilot is faced with a multitude of challenges keeping a model airplane gas motor properly functioning. Fuel must be monitored for freshness, tanks and fuel lines cannot have any leaks. Gas motor components wear and can fail at any time. Even when the engine seems to be running well, something as unforeseen as a change in the fuel mixture ratio can permanently damage the motor.
Electric power enables unique park flyers such as the Wright Flyer
None of these headaches are present with electric motors. RC pilots get more flight time with electric RC as they are never fiddling with gas engines. Modelers are incentivized to add models to their flying fleet, as the ease of dealing with electric power permits more sorties when at a flying facility.
Electric power is a requirement for any sort of indoor model flight. RC pilots have long yearned for the ability to fly their models indoors, whether at the local gym or even in their living rooms. Small models are a prerequisite for flying indoors to stay within a confined operating space. Gas engines are a non-starter for any sort of indoor flight due to noise and exhaust issues. Rubber band motors do not provide adequate flight times, and compressed carbon dioxide motors are not readily available.
Electric motors are the ideal solution to power indoor RC models. Electric motors can come in the smallest sizes imaginable. When geared to the right propeller, these tiny power plants offer a surprising amount of thrust.
Tiny geared electric motor in the MicroScout
Micro motors enable indoor RC flight
Electric motors are a great match for the new line of foam, ready to fly indoor RC model aircraft. Electric RC flyers such as the Aero Ace, Ultra Micro 4-Site and Cessna 210 offer superb flight performance at a very affordable price. These RTF aircraft provide a responsive and pleasant flight experience, with handling characteristics very similar to larger aircraft flown outdoors.
These RTF micro flyers are a key advancement in the long history of model airplane development. Pilots in many regions of the world cannot fly their RC models during the colder winter months. For the first time, RC flight is available year round as a result of access to indoor flight facilities.
The widespread acceptance of electric RC flight is clear when you visit any sort of model airplane venue. Modelers like to increase flying time while decreasing technical frustrations. Electric motors offer the perfect solution to this set of circumstances. Look for further development and enjoyment of electric powered radio control model flight.