Working backwards by picking engine first to try to find lowest price with most thrust for towing power.



I would ideally like to buy an airframe RTF that can structurally support a 30cc engine, a pretty large gas tank (idk size yet), have extra room for avionics and other equipment and be able to tow a plane.

I'm basically trying to make a faily large stable tow plane that I can use an autopilot and possible some other equipment.

Not new to hobby but I am brand new with IC engines.
I've built a fair amount of large electric planes but I realize the energy density of gasoline is a couple magnitudes greater than lipos
I also have a decent amount of experience with autopilots.



Price difference from 10cc to 30cc isn't that great so may as well start there. Considering DLE35ra with something like Ultra Stick 30cc airframe. May need to modify airframe for more room for fuel and equipment.



Big picture, I am trying to setup a tow plane than tow at least 10lbs planes for at least 30mins and then eventually 1hr.

Any thoughts or recommendations? I'm wide open to ideas of course.
Trying to make it as simple, cheap, and easy as possible while meeting those criteria.