[NSRCA-discussion] E Stuff

[John Ferrell]

I am certain I am not the only one wondering where we are going with this trend. 
Everything about electric turns me on except the costs. 

At some point we come to the conclusion that there is no sense in those of us with marginal skills even to try with recip engines. When we choose to do something else, will there be enough contestants left to have a contest? In some areas we are already struggling to break even on a contest. 

It is the same question that comes up with each major technology change. It happened with Turnaround and unlimited engine size. So far, those changes have not destroyed the game. I have to wonder if we will survive this one. 

John Ferrell    
http://DixieNC.US

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Earl Haury 
  To: Discussion List, NSRCA 
  Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 12:02 PM
  Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] E Stuff


  So - I set about trying to determine if E flies better and why. So far the answer is yes and I'm not sure. While differences in dynamics can be identified, it's hard to quantify the effects. For example, the lighter / slower rotating E prop generates a lower gyroscopic precession force during looping maneuvers than glow - this also suggests the lower rotating mass of a geared motor might be better. The lighter motor (compared to glow engine) up front can result in a lower pitch moment of inertia if the tail is light enough to allow the battery mass to be close to the CG. Airplane smoothness in rough air is markedly better with E. (I did most of my comparisons with twin Partners - one glow and one E - at about the same flight weight.)  This may be an effect of the large diameter prop or lack of vibration effect on the servos. As others have noted, thrust application is very good with E as the slower prop is efficient and the motor is instantly responsive and very linear. E can be flown slower than or as fast as glow, the airplane is more stable with E when slow  - again probably the large prop effect. Overall, it's easier to fly well with E but E won't fix sloppy flying.
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