Desertpig,

I do agree that many of the foam ARF electric warbirds are under-powered in stock form. I'm not sure that htis is a bad thing for training, provided the stall is docile. The lack of excess power will force a student to learn to fly within the envelope of the plane, rather than pointing the nose up and nailing the throttle, everytime they make an error.

Howver, I don't agree with the blanket statement that all electric warbirds are under-powered in stock form. When you move up into the 40-50" bracket in the electric warbirds, you start to get into some pretty serious performance, even with fairly moderate power systems. A fighter in this size range that weighs bewtween 3 and 4 lbs, and is powered by a 10 cell AXI 2820-10, Phasor 30-30, Astro 05G, Astro Brushless 05G, or the Hacker equivelant will give up about 3 mph in stall speed, and nothing else to a glow powered model.

I have a 42.5" electric Sea Fury that spins a 10 x 8 at over 10 000 RPM, and a 45" FX 25 powered Tempest that spins a 9 x 5 at 15 500 RPM. Though the Sea Fury is heavier, they both put out the same amount of HP (0.88), and the greater efficiency larger prop on the Sea Fury compensates for the extra weight while climbing. The Tempest flies 6 minutes before the tank is dry, and the Sea Fury can fly for up to 8.


Both are very reliable. Both are capable of all pattern maneuvers, including easy outside cuban eights. Both have forgiving stalls, the Tempest at about 18 MPH, and the Sea Fury at about 22.

But, add the convenience of not having to clean up the electric, and the greater scale fidelity of not having an engine or muffler sticking out, and you can see why powering this size of plane with electric is becoming so popular.

A small electric foam fighter with decent stall characteristics would allow the owner to practice in a much smaller area, less distant from housing. To convert a GWS to a much higher level of performance is only a matter of about $50 for a better motor and ESC. I hear the Corsair is the best flier of the GWS birds. Hobby-Lobby's Alfa models can also be quite satisfying with a decent power system.

My criteria for "enough" electric power is the ability to loop from level flight at 1/2 throttle. If it won't do it, you will probably want more power.

All this being said, a good, sleek, sport-aerobatic plane is an excellent way to prepare your skills for a fighter.



Ron Daniels