How does one go about 'elecrifying' a sailplane. I want to intall electric power to my Terminator HLG. Yes, I am tired of throwing my arm out. I am not looking for a 'Hotliner' just enough motor/batt power to get the model up 'plenty high' at least 3 to 4 times per charge.

From what I have read, i will probably need to go with a geared system, but what kind? What size motor, prop, batter size (num of cells and capacity) or gear ratio will I need? Is there a way to figure all of this out, or is it more of an art?


For those of you who are not familiar with the Terminator, here are the specs:

Wing Span: 59"
Flying Weight (HLG Mode): 10-12 oz.

for more specs go to http://www.charlesriverrc.org/articl...minatorhlg.htm

Any information would be most helpful.

Thanks.

You could power this plane with a cheap speed 400 direct drive or with a gear box. I powered a skimmer 400 with one (direct) and a 6.3X3 prop . Seven AE 600 cells. Worked great. As far as figuring it all out yourself do a search for" Motocalc" and download it free for 30 days. All the answers are in there.
Just cut off the nose to fit the motor and install the battery pack over the balance point. Move servos to aft of the battery pack and the Rx behind that. I use a loaded antenna inside the fuslage. Balance by moving battery pack. No need to ever add ballast to an electric plane!

I just electrified my Eros 1500 HLG...and I only added 2 ounces of weight with the battery pack! Sound impossible? The plane required some ballast in the nose without a motor. I took the ballast out and replaced it with a speed 400 6v and a 6X3 folder. I did not want to add the weight of 600AEs so I used a 2s2p 1020 kokam pack. Performance was excellent.

Mike

Thank you both for your input. I will be incorporating it into my new fuselage design.

BTW, who makes a good folding-prop/spinner combo for the size/pitch props you suggested? Also, do they offer different spinner sizes for that setup?

Thanks

I used on my skimmer 400 what was called a "Terry Prop" from hobby lobby. It is a 6.3x3 folding prop. It was the one for a "Terry" airplane from hobby lobby. I use the term "was" because I am not sure if they still call it a "Terry Prop" The spinner is a little larger on this prop-spinner set than on the standard speed 400 6x3 prop spinner set. The spinner on the 6x3 folding prop is the same size as the motor! That is too small to leave room for any wood around the motor. Use a 6 volt motor and 7 cells.