Post by BMFC on Apr 29, 2015 0:39:41 GMT
With the exception of rc gliders, all rc airplanes need a motor of some kind to generate the thrust to pull (or push) the model through the air.
The two primary power types are internal combustion ( IC ) and electric power ( EP ). IC is a collective term that covers all engine types that run on fuel; these are petrol (gasoline), glow plug, diesel and turbine. Glow plug is often referred to as 'nitro' but is exactly the same thing. To confuse things even more IC powered airplanes, particularly glow plug ones, are often just referred to as 'gas' planes even though this name suggests that they're gasoline powered when in fact they use a different type of fuel.
There are many many different choices of both IC and EP rc airplanes available and the size of the engine or motor used depends on the size and weight of the model, as well as the desired performance.
There are several pros and cons to each type of power unit but it is fair to say that in recent years electric powered rc planes have become hugely popular. Newer electronic technology has improved their performance and flight capabilities to the point that a well-equipped EP airplane can easily match an equivalent size/design IC one in terms of speed, duration and aerobatic performance. That just wasn't possible a decade ago!
The advent of low cost and Ready To Fly EP planes has really opened up the hobby in recent years, and there is no argument that you can get started for less with electric, but there are still many beginners who prefer to start with an IC model airplane and this is perfectly acceptable.
The two primary power types are internal combustion ( IC ) and electric power ( EP ). IC is a collective term that covers all engine types that run on fuel; these are petrol (gasoline), glow plug, diesel and turbine. Glow plug is often referred to as 'nitro' but is exactly the same thing. To confuse things even more IC powered airplanes, particularly glow plug ones, are often just referred to as 'gas' planes even though this name suggests that they're gasoline powered when in fact they use a different type of fuel.
There are many many different choices of both IC and EP rc airplanes available and the size of the engine or motor used depends on the size and weight of the model, as well as the desired performance.
There are several pros and cons to each type of power unit but it is fair to say that in recent years electric powered rc planes have become hugely popular. Newer electronic technology has improved their performance and flight capabilities to the point that a well-equipped EP airplane can easily match an equivalent size/design IC one in terms of speed, duration and aerobatic performance. That just wasn't possible a decade ago!
The advent of low cost and Ready To Fly EP planes has really opened up the hobby in recent years, and there is no argument that you can get started for less with electric, but there are still many beginners who prefer to start with an IC model airplane and this is perfectly acceptable.