RE: Minimum Power Requirement
One thought in reading this is that it is sort of directly related to electric power. With glow the power output is near same from fire off to out of fuel. 'cept it gets slightly lighter as it consumes fuel.
However, the electric guys do not lose weight with each minute of flight, it stays relatively constant. The longer they fly, the less power is available to them too, for the rated output is at Maximum, on freshly charged batteries, not after five minutes of flying time when they are lower. Why they do not design and rate an A/C after five minutes of flight....
I would not say design for maximum thrust, but as stated the thrust available at five minutes in to a flight. When the electric guys are thinking of touching down soon, but horsing it into the air for a few more minutes.
Wm.