| Until recently, most rc airplanes were powered by | | | | second type of motor and its controller are more |
| small two-stroke engines, using liquid fuels. Models | | | | expensive to make. Its advantages are no |
| powered by electric motors were very uncommon, | | | | maintenance and higher performance. |
| due to the excessive weight of the power system | | | | There are three main types of battery packs in use |
| and battery. However, the electric rc airplane has | | | | for electric airplane motors. These are Nickel Cadmium |
| become commonplace, especially in models meant for | | | | (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium |
| beginner pilots. | | | | Polymer (LiPo). LiPo batteries are lighter for a given |
| Electric power advantages include reliability, | | | | application, but are more expensive than NiCad or |
| convenience, low noise, low vibration, and clean | | | | NiMH. |
| operation. The disadvantage of early systems was | | | | Electric rc airplane types include powered sailplanes, |
| low power relative to weight. However modern | | | | indoor flyers, scale models, aerobatic models, and |
| electric airplane motors, combined with advanced | | | | ducted fan (jet-type). Virtually any type of rc model |
| batteries, have increased the performance of electric | | | | can now be electric powered. Even electric helicopters |
| rc airplanes by leaps and bounds. | | | | are now a practical reality. For the beginner, something |
| In the more common Brushed motors, current | | | | slow and stable is recommended for a trainer aircraft. |
| switching is done using sliding contacts known as | | | | Visit the RC Airplane Advisor for more info about |
| brushes. These brushes get hot and wear out over | | | | Electric RC Airplanes. |
| time. In Brushless motors, the switching happens | | | | This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given |
| electronically using a special speed controller. This | | | | and all links left intact. |