Small airplane – looking for best motor/propeller combo – some benchmarks

29,365 Replies

Compared to situation few years ago – now you do not need to use 50g+ motor and 15g+ ESC  to get 1kg thrust. Mini quadcopter racing mania made small motors/ESC much better, cheaper and better in terms of thrust/weight. They are high-kV (usually) but for small planes this isn’t bad – you still need speed and not only static thrust.

So, my requirements for motor/esc combo:

  • Still have enough thrust for unlimited vertical (so at least 800g of thrust)
  • Have enough pitch speed for penetrating headwind and flying around (so at least 100km/h at WoT)
  • Efficient setup at low throttle – need ~40km range endurance (total trip, not one-side).

Easy to find benchmarks on web for first two requirements, but for last one – probably next to impossible, so i re-built my thrust measurement rig – made it very well balanced and smooth as possible. Now it’s easy to measure even 1g of thrust (but probably would break away at full throttle):

stendas

Triple current measurement, triple voltage control, RPM measurement and precise PWM output.

Four motors, all completely new:

  1. EMAX RS2205 2300kV (Red Bottom)
  2. Racerstar BR2205 2600kV
  3. RCX 2206 2400kV
  4. Cobra 2204 2300kV (killed one Cobra together with FVT 20A BLHELI_S on plane – probably defective ball bearing on motor)

ESC – Racerstar 20A BLHELI_S, Medium timing.

Few props:

  1. HQ 5×3 (“Classic” propeller for noobs =)
  2. HQ 5×4
  3. DAL 5040 (thin version – IIRC there is another, “wide” version)
  4. DAL 5045 (thin)
  5. DAL 5045 BN
  6. DAL 6045 cut to 5545 (DAL 6045_C in graphs)
  7. GF 5550 (my current baseline – was using them on minicopter with gimbal)
  8. DAL 6045
  9. GF 6040
  10. GF 6045 (stupid centering rings)
  11. HQ 6045
  12. HQ 6030 (my old favorite – was working so well two years ago… Well, things changed =)
  13. DAL 6045 BN
  14. Graupner 6565 speed (this one from radjet remains – just to check for pitch speed)

props

So, what was done:

  • For each motor – measured voltage/current/thrust/RPM (bold columns in excel), everything else is calculated
  • For my Wing Wing Z (~500g AUW) ~120g of thrust is required to maintain level flight, so i only measured thrust at 1A and 2A (EMAX RS2205 got more measurements, but they aren’t required) – generated thrust is enough
  • Pitch speed is calculated based on propeller pitch data and RPM, not measured. All propeller unloading at higher speed, measurement inaccuracy and so on is not taken into account.

So, “best combo” should:

  1. Provide best g/W value at approx 120g of thrust
  2. still fit into tail of WWZ (7″ at max, for practical usage should be limited to 6.5″), 2-bladed (nobody wants to break multi-blade prop on every landing)
  3. Be as light as possible
  4. provide good enough pitch speed (you do not need much static thrust on plane)

So, results in short:

eff_2a

Cobra is doing very well in this test…. But we do not need 2A to cruise?

thr_1a

So, yes. It’s is possible to cruise using only 1A with all that weight and stuff if you have right motor.

But what about pitch speed? Currently using EMAX RS2205 on plane, so this motor in details:

thr_vs_maxspd

Not possible to get everything (eff + pitch speed) in one piece but still, some propellers clearly are better than others.

Full sheet:

Motor test sheets, excel format

Some may ask “hey, difference is way too small, why bother”? Yes, if you are just flying around in park – sure, you just put random motor/prop combo and go fly.

Others will tell – hey, some already did 70km+ on this wing, just copy this combo? Well, no. This setup was made as light as possible, without FPV equipment, with very weak motor (and battery, too), not much fun, actually.

Based on this data – you can easily make ~20% difference between “good” and “very good” motor+prop combo. This is actually a lot – i can have ~25km range now without any extreme power saving. +20% would make this 30km+ already.

So, best combos:

  • Cobra 2204 2300kV + GF 5550 – best overall combo. Lighter than other setups (4g saved == +60mAh on battery, do not forget about CG), good pitch speed and good enough efficiency
  • Cobra 2204 2300kV + DAL 6045 – most efficient combo. Very light and even more efficient than GF5550
  • EMAX RS2205 2300kV + GF5550 – fastest and still efficient combo , but not so efficient/light as Cobra (currently using this one on WWZ, 150km/h on level flight is not hard task for this motor).

29,365 thoughts on “Small airplane – looking for best motor/propeller combo – some benchmarks”

  11. dose_sarafe60

    Discover genuine solutions for boosting your performance with [url=https://amembcselma.org/buy-ozempic-on-line/]ozempic pills[/url] .

  12. JessicaC_763

    Features of [url=https://highlowbaby.com/product/brafix/]generic brafix[/url] make it helpful for many users struggling with anxiety disorders.

  13. NaturalHub

    Keep your prostate health in check with [url=https://balloons-and-beyond.com/product/mikacin-injection/]online mikacin injection no prescription[/url] , available for purchase through our site, ensuring you receive high-grade treatment affordably and efficiently.

  14. james_johnson39

    Unlock discounts when you obtain [url=https://marksgroupbd.com/ozempic-0-5mg/]order ozempic online[/url] from our trusted web portal.

  15. james_johnson39

    Discover the latest [url=https://johncavaletto.org/hydroxychloroquine/]hydroxychloroquine[/url] and look into alternatives for purchasing this treatment via the internet.

  16. Heal569

    Maximize your health with the smart option of [url=https://marksgroupbd.com/item/ozempic/]ozempic.com[/url] , a choice that ensures you get superior cardiovascular support. Opting for this solution via the internet combines efficiency with effectiveness.

  17. Heal569

    Got sensitivity reactions? Need fast relief? [url=https://marksgroupbd.com/item/ozempic-en-ligne/]marksgroupbd.com[/url] via internet for reliable remedy.

  19. Jordan_35

    Keeping your health in prime condition doesn’t have to empty your wallet; explore [url=https://highlowbaby.com/visiocare-ointment/]highlowbaby[/url] for an affordable solution to your needs. With this, you get premium treatment without the high costs.

  20. VitalPath16

    Discover the most up-to-date [url=https://cassandraplummer.com/product/hydroxychloroquine/]hydroxychloroquine online[/url] and consider alternatives for securing this treatment online.

  21. Shkola onlain_seMt

    Стресс, слёзы, замкнулся в себе. Начали искать варианты. Школа онлайн — и не пожалели. Сын занимается из дома. Никаких поблажек, но и без травли и давления. Прошло полгода — сын спокоен, оценки хорошие, атмосфера дома нормальная. школа онлайн [url=https://shkola-onlajn-dwj.ru]школа онлайн[/url] Сохраните, поделитесь, не потеряйте для региона. Это работает. Школа онлайн — учёба там, где вам удобно!

  22. VitalPath16

    With varying gastric issues plaguing individuals, finding a trustworthy treatment is essential. Luckily, you can buy [url=https://nabba-us.com/price-of-ozempic/]nabba-us[/url] , a tested solution for protecting the stomach’s lining and aiding in the healing process.

  25. chickenroadapp-quAva

    For those who love of high-speed online entertainment, you have likely heard of the excitement surrounding 4rabet chicken road [url=https://chickenroadapp.net.pk/4rabet]chicken road 4rabet login[/url] . This addictive title has grown popular among Pakistani players who relish thrill-based mechanics and rapid rounds. By visiting the official platform, users can discover why the chicken road game has become a huge hit throughout the region.

    Starting out is easy, and most users opt for the smooth process of the 4rabet chicken road app installation. Once you have the app installed on your device, accessing the game is effortless. The chicken road 4rabet login process is built for convenience, making sure that you can start playing immediately without wasting time. For those who have already enjoyed the first game, the new chicken road at 4rabet offers updated features and improved graphics that make the gameplay even more engaging.

    Many users are often curious about the financial side of the platform, particularly the chicken road 4rabet withdrawal process. The site is known for being reliable, enabling players to handle their money with confidence. Whether you are searching for the the latest 4rabet chicken road 2 news or looking for a straightforward 4rabet chicken road app download, the dedicated site provides all the essential guides to get you going.

    The chicken road game 4rabet is ideal for those looking to test their timing and strategy in a virtual space. It blends thrills with simplicity, making it a top choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts in Pakistan. If you are prepared to gamble, make sure you are using the official links provided by the network to ensure a protected environment. Remember to gamble with care and enjoy the fast-paced thrill that this unique title provides. With frequent improvements and a growing community of players, this gaming option remains a leader for digital entertainment in the region.

  26. daniel.thompson30

    If you’re seeking a solution to manage unwanted hair growth, consider [url=https://instahookups.org/pulmicort-inhaler/]generic pulmicort inhaler[/url] . This topical solution delivers a streamlined solution to tackle your concerns over-the-counter.

  28. daniel.thompson30

    Harness the benefit of efficiency by choosing to secure [url=https://bulgariannature.com/ozempic-pills/]ozempic[/url] online, ensuring a smooth process for handling hair loss.

  29. Life969

    Keeping your health in check is paramount, and accessing affordable medication shouldn’t be a hassle. Secure your heart health with ease by opting for buy tiova rotacap no prescription . Whether you’re looking to buy cost-effective heart health support, this option ensures you don’t compromise on quality or efficacy.

  30. doc_ozempi22

    Finding the best [url=https://nabba-us.com/ozempic-overnight/]source[/url] can be a daunting task. Check our site for unbeatable prices.

  31. QuinnA_64

    Seeking reliable solutions for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? Explore the benefits of [url=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/ozempic-without-a-doctor/]ozempic[/url] , a proven option for managing symptoms.

  33. airjamaica66

    Visit [url=https://airjamaicacharter.com/item/ozempic-cost/]airjamaicacharter[/url] to purchase your necessary heart health medication.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *