At this point the RX18 is only needed if you want IR battling.( The BARC 3 interfaces through the RX18 for control the reduction of speed when you are hit,) If you are not IR battling then you can use any ESC, and just use servo control on the elevation and, turret rotation. In essence your receiver becomes the tank controller.

This amp does get hot, but that is why there are heat sinks. I have found that when the amp is used the load on the BARC3 Vreg is reduced substantially and it barely gets warm.

You know the poor RX18 gets a bad rap. When it is paired up with lower ratio gears there is no issue with it and the amps it will draw. I recommend guys go with Mato 2.0 or an equivalent gear ratio box. Do that an you will have great tank control and the RX18 will be a happy camper for a long time. A most misunderstood and maligned product. For less the $25 nothing comes close to matching it for value, as long as you understand the "stalled motors = big amp draw" equation. The lower ratio gear boxes move the weak point to a mechanical point on the tank and away from the electronics. Typically you will break a track or throw a track instead of burning up the ESC.