ORIGINAL: blueridge1
Well, I got quite a few hours of electric flight in on a XE2 Combat Wing (like a zagi). I am now entertaining a nitro mod for the next performance leap. I realize brushless/lipoly is the next logical next step, but I'm not fully convinced yet. It seems the Norvel engines can rival/exceed brushless performance for less money, and they are still fairly light in weight.
Anyway here are the issues:
1) CG - Since wings are very touchy with CG, what happens as the motor uses gas, and affects the CG? Does the tank need to be right on top of CG? What tank should I use?
2) Tailheavy - I will provide a rear cutout to get the nitro engine closer to the CG.
3) Noise - how loud is a small nitro engine? I have neighbors. I also have a .25 Savage MT that doesn't appear to bother anyone.
4) Launching. It is done now by tossing then hitting power. I will have to do a toss under power now. I imagine this could be dangerous. Can the engine be idling while I launch or do I need to launch under full power?
5) Can I expect 10 minute+ flights out of a .074 Norvel or equivalent?
6) Mess. It will not be as clean as electric. I never thought that nitro was that messy till I read about people's complaints. Does anyone feel the messy part is overblown?
Thanks.
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Yes. glow motors DO provide more performance in the same model when the electric batteries are removed. They can be MORE exciting so a long flight time just might wear you out!
Putting the tank on the c.g. can't be bad.
You'd be surprised how long a 2 oz. tank will run on the .074. Work your way up to larger as you feel.
Noise should be high-pitched and possibly annoying. If there's someone to complain, they probably will. Chose your flying area appropriately.
Launching should be OK using the normal ZAGI™ technique. I launch large propped pusher electrics without any problems.
And on my ZAGI™ 400X I have a small finger hole under the nose to get a little effort into the toss.
Underhand can be done, but the plane won't be as instantly flyable, and the problem with the prop exists anyway.
The messy part is part of the experience.