I now have 62 flights on the model, and have had a chance to try some different props.

I tried an APC 24-12E prop. I didn't measure the current draw, but it is definitely quite a bit more. The temps on the controller and motor went up a bit. Performance was pretty good, with what I think is a bit better vertical, and ungodly downline braking. In fact, the downline braking is really a bit too much. I found myself adding power to increase the downline speed. It may be a good set-up if you want to fly a very slow, close pattern in calm conditions.

I then tried cutting this prop down some by clipping 3/4" off the tips and reshaping. The temps went down a bit, but while flying today in some very windy conditions, where I'm really using a lot more power, the controller over-temped and shut down. No damage, it has a temperature protection system in that shuts off the power. After gliding in, I turned off the R/C, turned it back on, and the motor worked perfectly.

If I'm going to run this sort of prop I'll need to do some re-arranging and ducting to get better cooling flow over the motor and controller. But quite honestly, the original 22-12E really flies the model well. Those watching the plane have a hard time telling what prop I have on it, the differences are really small. And the 22-12E runs the system at good, easy temps.

I've had more of a chance to fly in some windy, turbulent conditions, and I have to say the electric is giving up nothing in that situation. In fact, it may have an advantage, with really good speed control.

Another test I ran was current use on the R/C system. Using Hangar 9's current meter plugged between the battery and RX, we measured the draw on the Partner and a few glow models. Troy Newman's YS 1.60/Hyde mount Smaragd, measured 80 mah with the engine off, around 250 mah with the engine at idle, and 550-600 with the engine at full power. Troy, if you're reading this, please correct me if I got those numbers off. My Partner measured 80 mah motor off, 90 mah at idle, and 220-260 mah at full throttle. This is a real sign of the lower vibration. I think the load with the electric is more from the slipstream of the prop then vibration.

I'm going to make a prediction. In 5 years there will be more electrics flown at the Nats then glow. It is just too nice.