Im in the process of deciding on what equipment I'm going to have to buy to build up an 80+ in 3D capable aircraft. The engine I'm currently leaning towards is the DA50, but I'm wondering... Does anyone have a thrust figure in terms of pounds? I'm thinking about a 16-17 lb aircraft and I want it to hover somewherres between 25-50% of max power... I've done a number of internet searches and I just cant find any thrust figures on this engine at all... Anyone care to enlighten me with some information?

IN addition, if anyone cars to suggest a different engine for a 16-17lb 3D capable machine... feel free, I'm really unaware in terms of what is availible in gas.

at 16-17 lbs - you are over the best power to weight setup -in a 50 cc engine - any 50 I know of -

for really sparklin power to weight call it it thrust -whatever - with a 50 - you want to be closer to the 13-14 lb range.
Have I seen the DA 50 yes flown it - no - but watched after taching at 7200 on Mejzlic 22x8 - and definately the model needed more power. It was in the 16 lb range.
My new 50 ZDZNG is very comparable in performance and after doing a slew of 40 cc models - I can ffel confidant in saying that 14 lbs is about tops for really good 3D.
The engine will easily fly heavier models thru the patterns inc the Unlimited stuff.
My standard for a 3D model is one which will accelerate from a standing hover.
Your standard may vary---
for 16-17 lbs - a ZDZ60 - for 17-19 lbs the ZDZ80 single - I have that setup and it is excellent . The 3W 60-70 engines should also be great in this range-
no tuned stuff required.

I'd have to disagree with Dick. I fly a 16 pound Midwest Extra that will jump out of a hover using my Brison 3.2 swinging a Zinger 22x8. You can watch the vid on my website. Hovering power is around 33% throttle, and you can hear the low RPMs required to hover it. Obviously the less the plane weighs the better it will perform, but at 16-17 pounds I think you're still doing well with a good 50.

Another point to bring up is I believe Dick is in Utah, which is WAY higher in elevation than where I live (at sea level). That may explain differences in performance and power preference.

Interesting, I'm getting good feedback from the thread discussing the plane in question over on the 3D forums using a DA50... though I was considering the ZDZ 60 for the greater p/w ratio...

Anyone care to comment on the reliability of ZDZ engines? I've never seen one and I want to be damn sure of the engine when harriering a $1000+ dolar airplane at 3 feet...

Go to www.rcsites.net/johnvh to watch a vid of a 33% Sukhoi going with a ZDZ 80. John's now bringing the plane down really low and the engine runs great.

The big models 40% types - work much the same here at 4500 ft -but smaller ones really take a hit -

At a decent altitude(below 3000ft!) The DA turns A 22x10 or 24x8 with authority. On a 16-17lb plane you can expect to hover in the 35-50% range. I was hovering my 19# edge at just over 1/2 with the DA and it still was'nt broken in yet. The DA and 16-17# plane is a perfect combo. Extreme Flight is making this the perfect match on his planes. All are 85-87", 16-17#.
Most 50cc motors will do here. The BME and 3W are also excellent choices. I personally dont care for the ZDZ brand. Their twins are lacking. I guess most go for the ZDZ because of price and they do run good but...
The DA is about a pound lighter than the ZDZ. Another reason to go DA is servicability. Desert Aircraft is the best at customer service( when you can get thru...the phone is always busy ).

interesting - at our indecent altitude - your combo is weak -
We like the mountain air --so we just power up a needed .
As for the "weak" twins - early ones were not a strong as current and new models - I run em all--
and the ZDZ is much lighter than the DA - -but that's an easy mistake - .
I like the DA's very much also