Radio Control Hobbies

New RC Flight Technology: Advanced Motors and Batteries (4x8)

Air date: Dec 16, 2005

Electric-powered flight is quickly becoming the future for RC aircraft. In this episode of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, Chris Chianelli visits a flying field just outside Chattanooga, TN for a look at some of the latest technologies in electric powered flight, including out-runner electric motors. These high-powered motors are reliable, quiet and just as powerful as those used in nitro- or gas-powered airplanes. Chris takes an in-depth look by examining recent trends in electric motors and lithium batteries. Combining these advances in RC motors and batteries has changed the outlook of electrically powered flight. Just a few years ago, a simple, electric park flyer could fly for only about five minutes at a stretch. The new advances allows some aircraft to attain flight durations of more than 20 minutes.