Electric RC Airplanes.

THE TYPES AVAILABLE

Photo shows the E-Flite DHC Beaver. Click here for more information.

Electric RC airplanes have come a long way and are now accepted as an integral part of the hobby. I believe it is now possible to fly any type of RC airplane, with electric power. From the smallest indoor model to the largest scale or 3D aerobatic airplane, it is definitely possible! Please bear in mind that the very smallest and the very biggest will not be inexpensive!

However, in the most popular sizes of airplanes, electric power is definitely here to stay and some modelers will fly nothing else!

The advantages are many and I list a few of them here-

1. Just flip a switch and fly! No starter required and no  gas or glow engine to adjust.

2. Electric power is very quiet-just prop noise and a gentle hum.

3. No Oily mess to clean-up.

4. The smaller sizes of model can be flown from a local park or sports field or in some cases from your own back yard!

5. It is also possible to fly electric RC airplanes and helicopters in the living room!

6. Multi-engine models are possible and because of the reliability of electric power, the chances of a single engine failure are very small.

Let us take a look at the many types of electrics that are available-

Indoor RC Planes. (Scale)

If you are a scale airplane enthusiast and would like to fly in the winter, then this could be for you!

The photo shows the E-Flite Nieupuort 17 250 ARF flying in a gym. These little models can be a lot of fun!

Click here for further information on the Nieuport.

For more details on Indoor Scale RC Planes, including photos and videos, please click here

Indoor RC Airplanes. (Aerobatic).

Many Giant Scale, 3D Aerobatic pilots keep there reflexes sharp, during the winter months, by flying indoors. These types of electric RC planes can also to flown outdoors, as long as the wind is low!

The photo shows the E-Flite Enticement F3P ARF. A typical example of this kind of indoor RC airplane. Our affiliate partner RC Planet can be visited by clicking here.  This model and many more are explained at this site.

These models are generally of all foam construction and can be assembled very quickly.

Wing spans are around 30-35" and they can weigh less than 6 ozs.

Please click here for further details and photos of this type of aerobat.

Park Flyers. (Scale).

A little larger and heavier model than the indoor type. As it's name implies, these electric RC airplanes can be flown in a park or sports field. The airplanes are small enough to carry in your car, completely assembled and ready to fly. Many modelers do just that and fly whenever the opportunity presents itself.

The photo shows the Great Planes Sopwith Camel. this model is available from our affiliate partner RC PLANET. To visit their website and see full details of this model, please click here.

Please click here for more details, videos and pricing information on scale park flyers.

RC ParkFlyers. (Sport).

This class of model are generally easy flying and are usually the next model to fly, after the beginner RC airplane.

The photo at left shows the Kyosho Spree Sports M36 EP. this model is available from our affiliate partner RC PLANET. Please click here to visit their website and see more details of this model.

These models are good transition flyers. If you have learnt the basics and wish to progress to your first low winger, then these are the models to consider.

Please click here to see examples and for more information on sport parkflyers.

The Park Flyer. (Aerobatic).

Now you can fly 3D maneuvers in your local park! These electric RC airplanes can be built-up or constructed of foam. As with all 3d capable models, they are super lightweight and high powered.

The photo shows the Great Planes Reactor Bipe. This model is also available from RC PLANET. To visit their site and possibly to buy, please click here.

Please click here for further information, photos and videos of aerobatic park flyers.

Parkzone Models.

Parkzone models are usually of all foam construction and many come complete with radio and are truly ready to fly! With many of these electric RC airplanes it is just a case of attaching the wing, charge the batteries and go fly!

Many are scale models, like the Citabria, shown here. To give you an idea of the cost, our affiliate partner RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP, lists this model at $159.99 including shipping. That is for the complete model, including the radio!

For further info and details of the complete range, please click here.

Electric RC Planes. (Mid-size)

I am defining "mid-size" as the next step up from park flyers. This size of model should be flown at the club field. Weight can be up to 6.5 lbs and motor size could be a Power 25 or Power 32.

The photo at left shows the E-Flite DHC-2 Beaver. This is a good example of this class of model.

The Beaver is available from RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP. Click here for further information.

AS well as scale there is a wide range of sport and 3D aerobatic electric rc planes, in this size range.

To learn more regarding this category, please click here.

RC Electric Planes. (Large)

The cost of electrics for the larger electric RC airplanes has now come down to reasonable levels. It is practical to consider a  60-90 size airplane for electric power.

The photo at left shows the Hanger 9 P-51D Blue Nose 60 ARF.

With a wing span of 65" and a weight of 9.5 to 11 lbs, this model is no light weight! Complete with flaps and retracts. For further information or to maybe buy, please click here.

Models of this size generally feature power set-ups of 1KW or more.

For more information and more examples of this size of RC airplane. please click here.

RC Electric Motors.

The photo at shows the E-flite Power 32 Brushless Outrunner Motor. This is typical of a modern electric RC motor.

Brushless motors have almost completely replaced brushed motors. Their superior power and efficiency make them the obvious choice for powering your latest electric RC airplane.

For more information on the Power 32 motor, please click here.

Please note that E-flite use the approximate equivalent glow engine capacity to number their motors. Thus the "32" is approximately equal to a 0.32 cu.in. glow engine. 

For more information on RC electric motors, including how to select the correct size for your project,  please click here.

Electronic Speed Control.

This photo is of the E-flite 60 amp Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control.)

These units are required to control brushless RC motors in today's electric RC airplanes.

For further information on the E-flite 60 Amp Brushless ESC, please click here.

For more details on electronic speed controls and how to select the unit for your project, please click here.

The Lipo Battery.

The Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery is the latest technology to be offered for use in Electric RC Airplanes. They offer the best Power to Weight ratio and continue to improve in efficiency.

The photo shows the E-flite Li-Po battery. They are available in many sizes and configurations.

For more information on this battery, please click here.

For more details on selecting the battery for your particular requirements, please click here.

Please note that some, if not all, of the links mentioned above are not yet active! please bear with us and check back often to see our progress.

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