ORIGINAL: bem
Sport_Pilot,
Some plus and minus things with electric powered planes butI do not experience much problems.
LiPo batteries has been rather stable regarding quality today and shelf life is hard to be longer then a couple of years probably (I'm not sure what self life that should be reasonable to expect for normal quality LiPo today). There is a limit how long you will be able to use a LiPo battery, eventually they will loose some performance but on the high quality LiPo 500 cycles should probably be no problem.
A glow engine will also eventually be worn out (but can be reparied of course).
I do understand Your points and it is a matter of preference also but I do not think a user of electric driven planes today face thatmuch of the problems You describe, at least I do not see that much of them.
Jeff Walker,
I Agree 100%.
It will be very interesting to see the assembly and hear flight reports when the new DB 60 ARF is released.
/Bo
The 500 cycles is not the problem, the problem is when sitting on the shelf slowly discharging. I don't think any type of battery will last more than 5 to 7 years, and that is if it was fully charged from the beginning. Yeah I know they would last longer if you recharge, but missed that with most of them. Engines last forever (if protected)when you are not using them.
I have no problem if you want to electify a classic pattern, you can do what you want.I will not stop you and would not make a complaint in person.
However, if someone flys one in front of me, I will have to be carefull to stand away from people, or run to the bathroom to avoid a mess.