RE: World Models 42% Ultimate Biplane
I decided to change plans and use the new Turnigy [link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14427]C120-70[/link] outrunner. This motor appears to be similar to the Hacker A150-8 but costs only 1/3 the price! It is also 1/3 the price of the geared Neu setup used by Josh Young. The C120-70 is not made to order but rather stocked so that it can be purchased quickly. This type of affordability and off-the-shelf solution is more in line with my goals than making the "ultimate" high-power electric plane. I also had some concerns with the lethal voltages above a 12s setup since readers often mimic my conversions.
Data has already been posted using the ICE HV 160 ESC and Turnigy CA120-70 outrunner on a 12s LiPo and a 27x10 prop. At 7000 watts, 169 amps, 7200 RPMs, this setup will run all day. My plan is to prop it for a peak of around 225 amps which the ICE HV 160 ESC should easily handle for 5 second bursts. I'll likely start with a 30" prop and see what the data logging reports.
Using Josh Young's geared Neu motor example, he produced 9200 watts at 215 amps peak power on his 40% 119" Extra 330SE. At 9200 watts, even a 42lb plane will have 219 watts/lb. This will indeed address the majority market.