how to choose the power motor system for Freewing RC plane Xie zhao Ting

Written by Mr Xie (general manager of Freewing Model)
the first Airliner Airplane in a scale model manufacturer
Product review
As seen in the Feb,20th 2022 In China


Dear Friend:

Once the exciting world of RC planes grabs your attention, you'll be hooked. If you've recently discovered the enjoyment both you and your loved ones can experience together with RC planes, then you'll probably want to learn a bit more about improving the performance of your RC plane. If that's the case, you've come to the right place!

So, how do you choose the perfect motor for an RC plane? Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best engine for all RC planes. Instead, the best motor for your aircraft can vary depending on the type of RC plane that you've purchased.

Since there isn't a lot of information available on the Internet today that covers how to pick the best RC motor for one's RC plane, we've created this guide to help you out. Below we'll give you a simplified overview of what you can expect from the many motor components and motors that you'll find available for purchase on the market today.

RC Plane Motors as Power Systems
Nowadays, figuring out a high-quality power system for your RC plane's motor is more complicated than what it sounds like overall. That's because it requires a certain amount of educated guesswork when you are trying to figure out the best RC plane motor for your RC plane.

While you could take the time to calculate each bit of information you'd need to figure out the best power system for an RC plane model, it's almost more comfortable to use the approach of an educated guess.

To help you understand how you can go about making your educated guess concerning your RC plane's motor, you'll have to learn some new knowledge. That's what our guide will focus on below.

We'll attempt to give you the experience necessary so that you can make an educated guess about the motor that's right for your RC plane.

Since different types of RC planes perform better with different types of motors, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, you'll need to educate yourself about the requirements you'll need for your RC plane's motor, and use the information we provide you with below to help make an educated decision about the type of RC plane motor you should purchase.

Accounting for Wing Load and Stall Speed
When trying to make an educated decision about what RC plane motor is right for your RC plane, you'll need to account for both the wing load and the stall speed of your RC plane. To start, a wing load refers to the aircraft's loaded weight divided by the wing's area.

Knowing your RC planes' wing load capacity means you'll have a general understanding of your plane's lift-to-mass ratio, and that affects how fast your plane climbs, how it turns, and how much of a load the aircraft can carry.

Some RC plane enthusiasts feel that the best way to approach an RC plane is to make their RC plane as lightweight as possible when it comes to motor components. While this may initially seem like an odd approach, there's an educated reason why these RC plane enthusiasts want a lighter plane.

If you have a lighter aircraft, then you'll have a light wing load that makes the airplane more comfortable to fly. That's because the lighter plane decreases the likelihood that the aircraft will stall.

When an RC plane makes a turn, it feels a gravitational force that then makes its weight increase. This process is similar to the weight on the end of a string.

When you spin around the end of the string like a lasso, it will get heavier on one end. With an RC plane, the heavier the wing loading is during a turn, then the higher the stall speed becomes.

Other things can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed as well. The aerofoil shape, as well as the plane's aspect ratio, are both things that can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed. If you have a heavy RC plane model and you want to lighten its wing loading capability, then you'll need to make the size of the wings on your RC plane larger. So, models that have high side loading capabilities will also offer you higher stall speeds.

Accounting for Volts, Amps, and Watts
Once you can consider for your plane's rate of stall speed, the next thing you'll need to figure out when choosing the right RC plane motor for your RC plane is volts, amps, and watts. To better break down how these items work and affect your RC plane's engine, it's a good idea to use the hydraulic analogy. The hydraulic analogy compares electric circuits to water-filled pipes since voltage resembles water pressure. Voltage helps figure out how quickly the electrons can pass through the channel.

Next, you'll need to know about how current works using the same analogy. Current is usually measured in amperes and means a measure of the water's volume that moves beyond a certain point. The rate of the movement determines the voltage, and the total amount of the voltage's output is measured in watts. So, the equation that's typically used to figure out all of these components is volts x amperes = watts.

You'll notice as we continue discussing power with RC planes how the size and effectiveness of a motor work with the load that the propeller puts on the aircraft, which can all affect the volts and amps your RC plane uses. So, you'll want to make sure that you are picking a motor, battery, and a propeller combination that will make your model fly the way you want it to operate within the component specifications.

o help you understand a little more about how all of this works, we'll move onto discussing how you can select a motor below.

Selecting a Motor for Your RC Plane
Before selecting a motor it is important to know the differences between each type of motor that is on the market. The video below gives some clear explanations to help you understand the different motors better.

When it comes to choosing a motor for your RC plane, you'll need to consider a few things. Those things include weight power and dimensions, in-runner or out-runner engines, the kv, gearboxes, electronic speed control, cut off voltage, and power selection. We'll cover these items in more detail below.

RC Plane Weight Power and Dimensions
An essential thing you'll need to factor in before you pick a motor for your RC plane is the plane's weight and dimensions. For example, you don't want to have to add more weight to your RC plane to ensure that it has the correct center of gravity. Instead of doing that, it's better to have an RC plane that's larger, heavier, and that features a better motor rather than purchasing a smaller, less powerful engine.

Depending on your budget, we understand that you won't always necessarily have a choice in the matter. However, when you do, you don't want to forget about the dynamic between your motor's weight and your RC plane's center of gravity. The dimensions of your RC plane's engine will be very important, and you need to avoid purchasing a motor that you know won't fit into your model in the first place.

So, when searching for the right RC motor for your RC plane, you'll need to find an engine that gives the type of performance for your current RC model plane. If you have a 3D model, for example, you'll need to get a motor that has a thrust that is larger than one to one. On the other hand, if your RC model plane is a scale WWI biplane, you won't need as much thrust for your model.

How To Choose The Perfect Motor For An RC Plane
Written by Matt Robbs in RC Planes, Drones, & Helicopters
How To Choose The Perfect Motor For An RC Plane
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Once the exciting world of RC planes grabs your attention, you'll be hooked. If you've recently discovered the enjoyment both you and your loved ones can experience together with RC planes, then you'll probably want to learn a bit more about improving the performance of your RC plane. If that's the case, you've come to the right place!

MY LATEST VIDEOS
Sorry, the video player failed to load.(Error Code: 101102)
So, how do you choose the perfect motor for an RC plane? Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best engine for all RC planes. Instead, the best motor for your aircraft can vary depending on the type of RC plane that you've purchased.

Since there isn't a lot of information available on the Internet today that covers how to pick the best RC motor for one's RC plane, we've created this guide to help you out. Below we'll give you a simplified overview of what you can expect from the many motor components and motors that you'll find available for purchase on the market today.

RC Plane Motors as Power Systems
Nowadays, figuring out a high-quality power system for your RC plane's motor is more complicated than what it sounds like overall. That's because it requires a certain amount of educated guesswork when you are trying to figure out the best RC plane motor for your RC plane.

While you could take the time to calculate each bit of information you'd need to figure out the best power system for an RC plane model, it's almost more comfortable to use the approach of an educated guess.

To help you understand how you can go about making your educated guess concerning your RC plane's motor, you'll have to learn some new knowledge. That's what our guide will focus on below.

We'll attempt to give you the experience necessary so that you can make an educated guess about the motor that's right for your RC plane.

Since different types of RC planes perform better with different types of motors, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, you'll need to educate yourself about the requirements you'll need for your RC plane's motor, and use the information we provide you with below to help make an educated decision about the type of RC plane motor you should purchase.

Accounting for Wing Load and Stall Speed
When trying to make an educated decision about what RC plane motor is right for your RC plane, you'll need to account for both the wing load and the stall speed of your RC plane. To start, a wing load refers to the aircraft's loaded weight divided by the wing's area.

Knowing your RC planes' wing load capacity means you'll have a general understanding of your plane's lift-to-mass ratio, and that affects how fast your plane climbs, how it turns, and how much of a load the aircraft can carry.

Some RC plane enthusiasts feel that the best way to approach an RC plane is to make their RC plane as lightweight as possible when it comes to motor components. While this may initially seem like an odd approach, there's an educated reason why these RC plane enthusiasts want a lighter plane.

If you have a lighter aircraft, then you'll have a light wing load that makes the airplane more comfortable to fly. That's because the lighter plane decreases the likelihood that the aircraft will stall.

When an RC plane makes a turn, it feels a gravitational force that then makes its weight increase. This process is similar to the weight on the end of a string.

When you spin around the end of the string like a lasso, it will get heavier on one end. With an RC plane, the heavier the wing loading is during a turn, then the higher the stall speed becomes.

Other things can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed as well. The aerofoil shape, as well as the plane's aspect ratio, are both things that can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed. If you have a heavy RC plane model and you want to lighten its wing loading capability, then you'll need to make the size of the wings on your RC plane larger. So, models that have high side loading capabilities will also offer you higher stall speeds.

The calculations we usually use for wing loading are oz/ft2 or gr/dm2, one dm2 = 15.50003 inch2. If you want some help calculating the wing load on your RC plane, you can go here.

Accounting for Volts, Amps, and Watts
Once you can consider for your plane's rate of stall speed, the next thing you'll need to figure out when choosing the right RC plane motor for your RC plane is volts, amps, and watts. To better break down how these items work and affect your RC plane's engine, it's a good idea to use the hydraulic analogy. The hydraulic analogy compares electric circuits to water-filled pipes since voltage resembles water pressure. Voltage helps figure out how quickly the electrons can pass through the channel.

Next, you'll need to know about how current works using the same analogy. Current is usually measured in amperes and means a measure of the water's volume that moves beyond a certain point. The rate of the movement determines the voltage, and the total amount of the voltage's output is measured in watts. So, the equation that's typically used to figure out all of these components is volts x amperes = watts.

Related Post Can A Drone Overheat?
You'll notice as we continue discussing power with RC planes how the size and effectiveness of a motor work with the load that the propeller puts on the aircraft, which can all affect the volts and amps your RC plane uses. So, you'll want to make sure that you are picking a motor, battery, and a propeller combination that will make your model fly the way you want it to operate within the component specifications.

To help you understand a little more about how all of this works, we'll move onto discussing how you can select a motor below.

Selecting a Motor for Your RC Plane
Before selecting a motor it is important to know the differences between each type of motor that is on the market. The video below gives some clear explanations to help you understand the different motors better.

 

When it comes to choosing a motor for your RC plane, you'll need to consider a few things. Those things include weight power and dimensions, in-runner or out-runner engines, the kv, gearboxes, electronic speed control, cut off voltage, and power selection. We'll cover these items in more detail below.

RC Plane Weight Power and Dimensions
An essential thing you'll need to factor in before you pick a motor for your RC plane is the plane's weight and dimensions. For example, you don't want to have to add more weight to your RC plane to ensure that it has the correct center of gravity. Instead of doing that, it's better to have an RC plane that's larger, heavier, and that features a better motor rather than purchasing a smaller, less powerful engine.

Depending on your budget, we understand that you won't always necessarily have a choice in the matter. However, when you do, you don't want to forget about the dynamic between your motor's weight and your RC plane's center of gravity. The dimensions of your RC plane's engine will be very important, and you need to avoid purchasing a motor that you know won't fit into your model in the first place.

So, when searching for the right RC motor for your RC plane, you'll need to find an engine that gives the type of performance for your current RC model plane. If you have a 3D model, for example, you'll need to get a motor that has a thrust that is larger than one to one. On the other hand, if your RC model plane is a scale WWI biplane, you won't need as much thrust for your model.

Keep in mind that when you keep your motor above its maximum efficiency, the watts per pound rule won't be as accurate as it usually would. That's because you'll have a higher percentage of Watts being used to make heat instead of creating power. Below we provide some ideas in Watts per pound for your RC plane.

70-90 watts per pound: Training and slow-moving aerobatic models.
90-110 watts per pound: Sport aerobatic and fast-moving models.
110-130 watts per pound: More advanced user aerobatic and faster models

130-150 watts per pound: Lightly loaded 3D models as well as ducted fan models.
150-200+ watts per pound: Unlimited 3D model planes.

Now that we've discussed a bit about the weight and power you'll need for your RC plane's motor, we'll move onto talking about what type of engine would be best for your RC plane, an in-runner motor or an out-runner motor.

RC Plane Motors: In-Runner and Out-Runner
Now it's time for us to discuss what type of RC plane motor would be best for your RC plane. When talking about both in-runner and out-runner engines, you'll learn that they each have their pros and cons. You'll need to pick the motor depending on the type of RC model plane that you are using and consider what is best for the RC plane that you currently own.

In-Runner RC Plane Motors
First, we'll cover the basics behind in-runner motors. With in-runners, this type of engine is usually made with magnets that are attached right on the shaft. The copper windings then encircle that shaft. With the magnets being located so close to the shaft, the shaft winds up, spinning around at a fast rate. So, these types of motors create a high speed of RPMs, but they have low torque. You can convert the high RPMs into torque through a gearbox if you'd like.

When compared to out-runners, in-runners are traditionally considered the more powerful and efficient choice of the two. However, in-runners do need to feature a gearbox if they are being used to move large propellers. In-runners also create higher revs per volt when you compare them to out-runners. If you have an RC plane model that needs a small prop running at a fast speed, with pylon racers and ducted fans, then the most popular choice is usually an in-runner with a gearbox.

How To Choose The Perfect Motor For An RC Plane
Written by Matt Robbs in RC Planes, Drones, & Helicopters
How To Choose The Perfect Motor For An RC Plane
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Once the exciting world of RC planes grabs your attention, you'll be hooked. If you've recently discovered the enjoyment both you and your loved ones can experience together with RC planes, then you'll probably want to learn a bit more about improving the performance of your RC plane. If that's the case, you've come to the right place!

MY LATEST VIDEOS
Sorry, the video player failed to load.(Error Code: 101102)
So, how do you choose the perfect motor for an RC plane? Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best engine for all RC planes. Instead, the best motor for your aircraft can vary depending on the type of RC plane that you've purchased.

Since there isn't a lot of information available on the Internet today that covers how to pick the best RC motor for one's RC plane, we've created this guide to help you out. Below we'll give you a simplified overview of what you can expect from the many motor components and motors that you'll find available for purchase on the market today.

RC Plane Motors as Power Systems
Nowadays, figuring out a high-quality power system for your RC plane's motor is more complicated than what it sounds like overall. That's because it requires a certain amount of educated guesswork when you are trying to figure out the best RC plane motor for your RC plane.

While you could take the time to calculate each bit of information you'd need to figure out the best power system for an RC plane model, it's almost more comfortable to use the approach of an educated guess.

To help you understand how you can go about making your educated guess concerning your RC plane's motor, you'll have to learn some new knowledge. That's what our guide will focus on below.

We'll attempt to give you the experience necessary so that you can make an educated guess about the motor that's right for your RC plane.

Since different types of RC planes perform better with different types of motors, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, you'll need to educate yourself about the requirements you'll need for your RC plane's motor, and use the information we provide you with below to help make an educated decision about the type of RC plane motor you should purchase.

Accounting for Wing Load and Stall Speed
When trying to make an educated decision about what RC plane motor is right for your RC plane, you'll need to account for both the wing load and the stall speed of your RC plane. To start, a wing load refers to the aircraft's loaded weight divided by the wing's area.

Knowing your RC planes' wing load capacity means you'll have a general understanding of your plane's lift-to-mass ratio, and that affects how fast your plane climbs, how it turns, and how much of a load the aircraft can carry.

Some RC plane enthusiasts feel that the best way to approach an RC plane is to make their RC plane as lightweight as possible when it comes to motor components. While this may initially seem like an odd approach, there's an educated reason why these RC plane enthusiasts want a lighter plane.

If you have a lighter aircraft, then you'll have a light wing load that makes the airplane more comfortable to fly. That's because the lighter plane decreases the likelihood that the aircraft will stall.

When an RC plane makes a turn, it feels a gravitational force that then makes its weight increase. This process is similar to the weight on the end of a string.

When you spin around the end of the string like a lasso, it will get heavier on one end. With an RC plane, the heavier the wing loading is during a turn, then the higher the stall speed becomes.

Other things can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed as well. The aerofoil shape, as well as the plane's aspect ratio, are both things that can affect an RC plane's rate of stall speed. If you have a heavy RC plane model and you want to lighten its wing loading capability, then you'll need to make the size of the wings on your RC plane larger. So, models that have high side loading capabilities will also offer you higher stall speeds.

The calculations we usually use for wing loading are oz/ft2 or gr/dm2, one dm2 = 15.50003 inch2. If you want some help calculating the wing load on your RC plane, you can go here.

Accounting for Volts, Amps, and Watts
Once you can consider for your plane's rate of stall speed, the next thing you'll need to figure out when choosing the right RC plane motor for your RC plane is volts, amps, and watts. To better break down how these items work and affect your RC plane's engine, it's a good idea to use the hydraulic analogy. The hydraulic analogy compares electric circuits to water-filled pipes since voltage resembles water pressure. Voltage helps figure out how quickly the electrons can pass through the channel.

Next, you'll need to know about how current works using the same analogy. Current is usually measured in amperes and means a measure of the water's volume that moves beyond a certain point. The rate of the movement determines the voltage, and the total amount of the voltage's output is measured in watts. So, the equation that's typically used to figure out all of these components is volts x amperes = watts.

Related Post Can A Drone Overheat?
You'll notice as we continue discussing power with RC planes how the size and effectiveness of a motor work with the load that the propeller puts on the aircraft, which can all affect the volts and amps your RC plane uses. So, you'll want to make sure that you are picking a motor, battery, and a propeller combination that will make your model fly the way you want it to operate within the component specifications.

To help you understand a little more about how all of this works, we'll move onto discussing how you can select a motor below.

Selecting a Motor for Your RC Plane
Before selecting a motor it is important to know the differences between each type of motor that is on the market. The video below gives some clear explanations to help you understand the different motors better.

 

When it comes to choosing a motor for your RC plane, you'll need to consider a few things. Those things include weight power and dimensions, in-runner or out-runner engines, the kv, gearboxes, electronic speed control, cut off voltage, and power selection. We'll cover these items in more detail below.

RC Plane Weight Power and Dimensions
An essential thing you'll need to factor in before you pick a motor for your RC plane is the plane's weight and dimensions. For example, you don't want to have to add more weight to your RC plane to ensure that it has the correct center of gravity. Instead of doing that, it's better to have an RC plane that's larger, heavier, and that features a better motor rather than purchasing a smaller, less powerful engine.

Depending on your budget, we understand that you won't always necessarily have a choice in the matter. However, when you do, you don't want to forget about the dynamic between your motor's weight and your RC plane's center of gravity. The dimensions of your RC plane's engine will be very important, and you need to avoid purchasing a motor that you know won't fit into your model in the first place.

So, when searching for the right RC motor for your RC plane, you'll need to find an engine that gives the type of performance for your current RC model plane. If you have a 3D model, for example, you'll need to get a motor that has a thrust that is larger than one to one. On the other hand, if your RC model plane is a scale WWI biplane, you won't need as much thrust for your model.

Keep in mind that when you keep your motor above its maximum efficiency, the watts per pound rule won't be as accurate as it usually would. That's because you'll have a higher percentage of Watts being used to make heat instead of creating power. Below we provide some ideas in Watts per pound for your RC plane.

70-90 watts per pound: Training and slow-moving aerobatic models.
90-110 watts per pound: Sport aerobatic and fast-moving models.
110-130 watts per pound: More advanced user aerobatic and faster models

130-150 watts per pound: Lightly loaded 3D models as well as ducted fan models.
150-200+ watts per pound: Unlimited 3D model planes.

Now that we've discussed a bit about the weight and power you'll need for your RC plane's motor, we'll move onto talking about what type of engine would be best for your Freewing RC plane, an in-runner motor or an out-runner motor.

RC Plane Motors: In-Runner and Out-Runner
Now it's time for us to discuss what type of RC plane motor would be best for your RC plane. When talking about both in-runner and out-runner engines, you'll learn that they each have their pros and cons. You'll need to pick the motor depending on the type of RC model plane that you are using and consider what is best for the RC plane that you currently own.

In-Runner RC Plane Motors
First, we'll cover the basics behind in-runner motors. With in-runners, this type of engine is usually made with magnets that are attached right on the shaft. The copper windings then encircle that shaft. With the magnets being located so close to the shaft, the shaft winds up, spinning around at a fast rate. So, these types of motors create a high speed of RPMs, but they have low torque. You can convert the high RPMs into torque through a gearbox if you'd like.

When compared to out-runners, in-runners are traditionally considered the more powerful and efficient choice of the two. However, in-runners do need to feature a gearbox if they are being used to move large propellers. In-runners also create higher revs per volt when you compare them to out-runners. If you have an RC plane model that needs a small prop running at a fast speed, with pylon racers and ducted fans, then the most popular choice is usually an in-runner with a gearbox.

Once you put a gearbox into your in-runner, however, you'll wind up with a few new pros and cons. One thing you'll have to keep in mind about gearboxes is that they tend to cost some money, and they don't come cheap. Also, gearboxes will require more maintenance, and they tend to be noisier. However, with a gearbox, you'll get the best level of efficiency and power, featuring a geared in-running that can spin a giant prop.

Out-Runner RC Plane Motors
Out-runner RC plane motors are typically manufactured with copper windings on the inside of the engine. On an out-runner, the shaft area will be combined with a "bell" which could also be a casing with the magnets. The magnets and the casing allow the motor to spin around the copper windings. Since an out-runner engine has the extra weight from the bell on it and magnets that are spread farther out from the shaft, this motor works like a flywheel.

An out-runner motor will create a lower RPM and a higher torque when compared to in-runners. So, an out-runner engine is capable of spinning a giant prop without forcing you to add a gearbox. Since out-runners don't need a gearbox, you'll wind up with less maintenance, a quieter motor, and a cheaper engine overall because you won't need to buy the expensive gearbox.

For some, the combination of benefits you get with an out-runner that doesn't need a gearbox is challenging to pass up. So, the quiet operation and more affordable price, for some RC plane lovers, will outweigh the better efficiency and power that you'd get with an in-runner.