John Goodge and myself became interested in electric flight primarily because of increasing awareness of noise issues and we just wanted to walk to the local park and fly, but other advantages became immediately obvious. There was no longer the need for a large flight box containing fuel, battery, glo driver, starter, plugs and also cleaning gear. The model required much less preparation as fuel proofing was not an issue, almost any paint could be used, or none at all. Also there was no need to become intimately acquainted with the propeller - "ouch", as a timer decided when it would operate.
Electric flight has been with us for some time, so we did not want to reinvent the wheel. We took existing models and used the most cost effective motors, batteries, timer and speed controllers with the aim of achieving low weight, a 5 minute run and good lap times. The combination arrived that works very well in a sport flying context.
We chose older style models with a largish box style fuselage of around 42" wingspan, to date we have electrified the "El Diablo", "Demon" and "Combat Streak" a full fuse version of the "Flite Streak".
All models are comparable to their IC counterparts but, oh so quiet. A quick fly at the local park means taking, model, lines and spare battery.
For those interested, the following components are being used:
Motor - Turnigy 870KV or 710KV G25 Brushless Outrunner
Battery - Zippy compact 40C series 2200 4 cell 14.8v
Prop - wide range, 10x6 wood, 10x8 composite, 10x6 electric
Timer - E-ZEE Control Line Timer Mk7
ESC - YEP 60A
PS. I was told "electric flight is the work of the devil", the El Diablo and Demon seemed appropriate.
Give it a go - Graham Keene KMAC member
Non Electric also fronted for the day
Ron Woods with a 4 stoke banshee - very tame
Others who fronted were with 2T's:
Bruce also flew a Fox .35 powered Ringmaster
Reeve Marsh Lew McFarland Ruffy OS 35S and an LA .46 Tutor II which he flew in blustery conditions. whoohoo!
Steve Vallve Enya .30SS powered Flite Streak which spat the muffler and powered on. Too much back pressure. Whoohoo remaining flight.
This is Gavin's Doug Grinham HOT DOG which he flew superbly