points always brought up by guys asking about the 123 cells - is the rated power and the weight
first - off they are heavier - no question about it
however the useful charge for a flight exceeds the Lipos
because - you can run em right on down - not to worry- it does not harm em
it will ,however killLiPos

having to double a pack to get same useful power duration - is not true
you can instead, increase voltage and reduce capacity .
I use 4, a123 cells and get very good power for 8-10 min on 3.4 lb pattern model ( a Diamante )
the performance is good at the 40 + amps and a 14x7.
. If it goes flat -(and I have done it - I just land and recharge .
as good as same weight Lipo (11 ozs) yes I think so - I can pound em harder and use em longer than the lipos
I would not consider any of the current pattern designs - (2 meter ) -they are all designed for glow and in my book simply heavier than needed . I have done 2 meter 1280 sq 40 gas powered pattern models which were waaay stronger than required for a electric setup -so yeh -I think I can do it with A123 cells -at least it is worth a shot
The Dalotels were light but heavier than needed for electric.
I had a guy try one years back but the batts n motor killed it then.
I have a new pattern model I am doing -- for the ZDZ40 RE and I have dropped design weight again - I use foam flying surfaces and balsa fuselages so I get best sound damping - -I have looked at the really light all composite ones and -I just don't care for em -beautifully done but FRAGILE and $$SSSpensive.
If you are hung up on the curvy composite pattern look (I am not ) you will have a hard time dropping fuselage weight.
The Dalotel by virtue of its simple angular lines can be done more lightly . The early model can have the wings really lightened and the aft section of the fuselage poked full of holes also I would do a simple fixed position wire gear with doors in place.
Not having to design for IC resonance damping really opens the game.