| Until recently, most rc airplanes were powered by | | | | controller are more expensive to make. Its |
| small two-stroke engines, using liquid fuels. Models | | | | advantages are no maintenance and higher |
| powered by electric motors were very uncommon, | | | | performance.There are three main types of battery |
| due to the excessive weight of the power system | | | | packs in use for electric airplane motors. These are |
| and battery. However, the electric rc airplane has | | | | Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
| become commonplace, especially in models meant for | | | | and Lithium Polymer (LiPo). LiPo batteries are lighter |
| beginner pilots.Electric power advantages include | | | | for a given application, but are more expensive than |
| reliability, convenience, low noise, low vibration, and | | | | NiCad or NiMH.Electric rc airplane types include |
| clean operation. The disadvantage of early systems | | | | powered sailplanes, indoor flyers, scale models, |
| was low power relative to weight. However modern | | | | aerobatic models, and ducted fan (jet-type). Virtually |
| electric airplane motors, combined with advanced | | | | any type of rc model can now be electric powered. |
| batteries, have increased the performance of electric | | | | Even electric helicopters are now a practical reality. |
| rc airplanes by leaps and bounds.In the more common | | | | For the beginner, something slow and stable is |
| Brushed motors, current switching is done using sliding | | | | recommended for a trainer aircraft.Visit the RC |
| contacts known as brushes. These brushes get hot | | | | Airplane Advisor for more info about Electric RC |
| and wear out over time. In Brushless motors, the | | | | Airplanes.This article may be reprinted if proper credit |
| switching happens electronically using a special speed | | | | is given and all links left intact. |
| controller. This second type of motor and its | | | | |