Uploaded June 2013 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On the spreadsheet linked below is a complete listing of all the findings of this testing, as well as some powerplant combinations tested previously:
docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtSZzrsraF1-dDJzNGVEMnZnRzNzMkJab2dfRjlxMnc&usp=sharing
This is the powerhouse of the Experimental Airlines fleet, used on the larger foamboard aircraft I build like the Synapse and Ansley PD. It has great power for affirmative launches and authoritative maneuvering during flight.
I have used this with props of 10-11" diameter and pitches from 4-6. I prefer Master Airscrew propellers due to their good balance, durable tips, and stiffness. There are certainly other options, some of which may have better characteristics for the individual builder. I have usually used a 10x5 Master Airscrew for better low-speed performance and slower planes and the 10x6 for zippier planes. After testing I may consider preferentially using the 11" version as it seems to have better efficiency.
This motor is $19 as of mid-2013 and is tested with the Turnigy Trust 55a ESC. The Turnigy Trust 55a ESC has a 3a switching BEC and so is good for models with 5-6 9g servos, with a reasonable reserve. This ESC is $22 in mid-2013 and comes equipped with generous cooling fins for prolonged, reliable cooling operation.
Note the electric "specific thrust" for each power scenario as expressed as the grams of thrust per electrical watt. This is a good benchmark for comparing the efficiency of different motor and propeller combinations. 4 grams per watt is considered pretty good. Over 5 grams per watt is excellent. By comparison EDFs are often in the 1.5g/w range.
I am sorry that this powerplant testing video series is merely an introduction to and evaluation of some of my favorite powerplant combinations and is not meant to be a comprehensive analysis of all the available powerplant components in every operation parameter such as static vs. dynamic test conditions, different flight speeds, elevations, etc. This is but a very small set of scenarios that could factor in to powerplant choice. Please use the data in any way that benefits your enjoyment of the RC flying hobby.
Turnigy NTM Prop Drive 35-36A 1400KV motor:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14342__NTM_Prop_Drive_Series_35_36A_1400Kv_550W.html
Prop Adapter:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14501__NTM_Prop_Drive_35_Series_Accessory_Pack.html
Turnigy Trust 55a ESC:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12190__TURNIGY_TRUST_55A_SBEC_Brushless_Speed_Controller.html
Master Airscrew Propellers:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/RC_PRODUCT_SEARCH.asp?strSearch=master+airscrew&x=0&y=0
On the spreadsheet linked below is a complete listing of all the findings of this testing, as well as some powerplant combinations tested previously:
docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtSZzrsraF1-dDJzNGVEMnZnRzNzMkJab2dfRjlxMnc&usp=sharing
This is the powerhouse of the Experimental Airlines fleet, used on the larger foamboard aircraft I build like the Synapse and Ansley PD. It has great power for affirmative launches and authoritative maneuvering during flight.
I have used this with props of 10-11" diameter and pitches from 4-6. I prefer Master Airscrew propellers due to their good balance, durable tips, and stiffness. There are certainly other options, some of which may have better characteristics for the individual builder. I have usually used a 10x5 Master Airscrew for better low-speed performance and slower planes and the 10x6 for zippier planes. After testing I may consider preferentially using the 11" version as it seems to have better efficiency.
This motor is $19 as of mid-2013 and is tested with the Turnigy Trust 55a ESC. The Turnigy Trust 55a ESC has a 3a switching BEC and so is good for models with 5-6 9g servos, with a reasonable reserve. This ESC is $22 in mid-2013 and comes equipped with generous cooling fins for prolonged, reliable cooling operation.
Note the electric "specific thrust" for each power scenario as expressed as the grams of thrust per electrical watt. This is a good benchmark for comparing the efficiency of different motor and propeller combinations. 4 grams per watt is considered pretty good. Over 5 grams per watt is excellent. By comparison EDFs are often in the 1.5g/w range.
I am sorry that this powerplant testing video series is merely an introduction to and evaluation of some of my favorite powerplant combinations and is not meant to be a comprehensive analysis of all the available powerplant components in every operation parameter such as static vs. dynamic test conditions, different flight speeds, elevations, etc. This is but a very small set of scenarios that could factor in to powerplant choice. Please use the data in any way that benefits your enjoyment of the RC flying hobby.
Turnigy NTM Prop Drive 35-36A 1400KV motor:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14342__NTM_Prop_Drive_Series_35_36A_1400Kv_550W.html
Prop Adapter:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14501__NTM_Prop_Drive_35_Series_Accessory_Pack.html
Turnigy Trust 55a ESC:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12190__TURNIGY_TRUST_55A_SBEC_Brushless_Speed_Controller.html
Master Airscrew Propellers:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/RC_PRODUCT_SEARCH.asp?strSearch=master+airscrew&x=0&y=0
