Sizing RC Airplane Propellers

Sizing RC airplane propellers may seem intimidating at first, but don’t be

afraid to experiment. A common misconception is that the engine/motor size
dictates the size of your propeller. But in reality it’s your airplane and flying
style that the prop must be sized for. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s very important to stay within this recommended range
of the power plant. If the load is too large your engine will not have the power
to spin fast enough to get your plane off the ground.  Too large of a prop will
also cause your engine to overheat in hurry. 

The propeller puts a “load” on the engine. If the load is too small your engine
will run faster than it’s designed for.  If you’re flying electric, the current draw is
what you have to worry about. Too large of a propeller load leads to a fried
motor, especially in the heat of the summer. Been there and done that a few
times. No fun…

Use the Propeller Chart

Use the Top Flight propeller chart below when sizing RC airplane propellers
for a glow engine.. From that range you can experiment until you find one that
feels just right!

When sizing RC airplane propellers, keep in mind that the Top Flight chart

is sized for 2-stroke engines.
Four-stroke engines produce more torque at slower speeds, so they’re use
larger propellers.

Your engine literature will tell you what size props are safe to use.

If you’re sizing RC airplane propellers for an electric plane, do yourself a

huge favor and pickup up a current meter.

It's likely to pay for itself in a hurry considering the price of a motor and a
possible demolished airplane should a dead-stick landing have an unhappy
ending… 

Defining a Propeller Size

When sizing an RC airplane propeller you have to choose the pitch and
diameter.

Although there are variable pitch props available for RC planes, we’ll

assume for now that we’re dealing with standard fixed pitch propellers.

For a single blade prop, the diameter is the length of the propeller from one
tip to the other. Or if you're dealing with a3 and 4 bladed propellers, the
diameter is simply twice the length of each blade.

 
The pitch is defined as the distance the propeller would move the airplane
forward in one rotation in a “perfect” world. The “twist” of the propeller is
what determines the pitch.

Perfect world meaning that the propeller is 100% efficient and the air does
not compress, neither of which is practical in the real world. 

In a nutshell, the “length” and “twist” is what defines thesize of an RC

propeller. For example, a 11” diameter propl with a 6” pitch is called a 11 X
6 propeller.

   How Diameter and Pitch Affects Flight

Generally speaking, the larger the diameter of the propeller the more thrust
will be produced by the engine or motor. The larger the pitch the more
speed you will get out of your engine.

Sizing RC airplane propellers is much like shifting t gears in your car. When
you shift gears you are changing the ratio of torque and speed.   The
difference with propellers is that you’re changing the ratio of thrust and
speed.

Unlike a car where you can change gears on the go, fixed pitch props used
on most RC airplanes can't be changed while in the air. The key is finding
the right combination of pitch and diameter that will work well through your
entire flight.

Variable pitch propellers for RC planes are available and make for some
mind boggling stunts in what is called 4D flying. But for all practical
purposes, most of us use fixed pitched props on our RC airplanes.

A small diameter large pitched propeller will move a small volume of air

really fast! A large diameter small pitch propeller will move a large volume
of air at a slower speed.

Increasing either the pitch or the diameter puts a larger load on the engine.
To keep within the safe proper load for a particular motor or engine, you
generally change the pitch and diameter together. For example, 9x7, 10x6,
and 11x5 propellers would all put a very similar load on the engine.
If you want to change the maximum RPM, then you need to change the
load on the engine. Replacing a 11x6 prop with a 10x6 prop, or replacing a
11 X 6 prop with a 11 x 5 prop will decrease the load on the engine and
raise the max RPM.

Changing from a 10 x 6 to 10 x 7 prop, or changing from a 10 x 6 prop to a

11 x 6 prop will increase the load and lower the max RPM.

 Can't Size Prop on Engine/Motor Size Alone

I’ll mention this again because it’s important. 

When sizing RC airplane propellers, you are choosing the propeller

based on how you want the airplane to fly.

This really has nothing to do with the engine or motor other than the
fact that you must stay within the recommended window of props to
prevent damage.

Two different RC airplanes using the same size engine or motor could
very well be using two different size props.

For example, if you have an airplane with low drag designed for speed
then you will want more pitch. If you have a slow airplane with a lot of
drag, such this  bi-plane here, you’ll  want more diameter (thrust) and
less pitch (speed).

Sizing RC airplane propellers really is a trial and error process until you find
that best size for you airplane and flying style.

Pick up several propellers within the recommended range. If your airplane

seems too sluggish when taking off and accelerating then change to a
lower pitch larger diameter prop.
 If your plane has plenty of pep and you want to make it go faster, then
change to a larger pitch smaller diameter propeller. 

More on RC Airplane Props Below

 Fundamentals of Model Airplane Propellers

 Types of RC Props
 3 and 4 Bladed Props
 Construction of RC Props
 Balancing the Propeller

Types of RC Props
Three common types of RC props used where I fly are wooden, carbon-
reinforced nylon (APC brand), and fiberglass-reinforced nylon (Master
Airscrew Brand). 

Yes, there are more expensive higher end propellers available,  but these
are what most of us common folk use. So how do you know which one of
these to pick?

Besides from pure personal preference.. it really comes down to efficiency

vs. durability. If you're a beginner, durability is your friend.

Watch your plane closely the next time you fire it up. You may be surprised
at just how much the propeller flexes under load. The more a propeller
flexes, the less efficiently it moves the air.

Wooden Propellers
Wooden propellers are the most rigid and also the lightest. The lighter
weight puts less load on the engine which allows for higher RPM.

The problem with wooden props?

If you're a beginner you probably know the answer to that question!

The chances of a wooden propeller surviving anything less than a perfect

landing is slim to none...

APC Propellers

When looking around the flying field, I notice that the majority of folks are
using APC Props.

They're a little heavier and more flexible than wooden props.

Unless you're competing for the next Gold Cup, you're not likely to notice
the loss in efficiency...

They'll still brake on those not so pleasant nose down landings, but stand a
much better chance of survival than wooden propeller.
 Master Airscrew Propellers

Master Airscrews (AKA Fiberglass-reinforcred nylon) come in as a close

second among the favorite props at my field.

They're much more flexible than the other props, and have a very large
blade area.

Ya, they're probably the least efficient of all.  Not enough that the regular
every day "Sunday Flyer"  like myself would be bothered with though.

The beauty of these propellers is that they take can take a beating. That's
probably why they're my favorite!

Make a long story short? wooden and carbon Fiber(CF) propellers are the
most rigid and efficient type of model airplane propeller.  If you're an expert
pilot that greases every landing then these props are for you...

If you're prone to having a hard landing now and then during your Sunday
afternoon flying, then your best bet is to go with an APC or Master Airscrew
propeller.

More Articles on RC Props...

 Model Airplane Propellers
 Sizing RC Props
 Types of RC Props
 3 and 4 Bladed Props
 Balancing the Propeller

Sizing RC Electric Motors

Choosing RC electric motors for your RC airplanes isn't quite as straight
forward as ordering the recommended size glow engine. All the different
brands, sizes, and specifications can make choosing a motor quite
intimidating if you're new to the hobby.

Understanding the basic fundamentals outlined here is essential for choosing

a suitable motor for your airplane.

Like everything in life, the more experience you have tinkering with different
setups, the more confident you will be when choosing RC electric motors for
different types and sizes of RC airplanes...

If you're looking to get into electric If you're completely new to the

flight without having to worry hobby, now's a good time to
about sizing the components, there get familiar with the basic
are tons of nice and components of electric
affordableready to fly electric powered RC airplanes.
airplanes on the market.
ParkZone is known for their high It is also a good idea to have a
quality ready to fly models. basic understanding of the
difference of brushed  vs.
brushless rc electric motors.

You also need to be fairly

familiar with lipo battery
packs.
 You up to speed with motors,
batteries and ESC's?  

Awesome, let's get onto the

basic fundamentals and thought
process of choosing an RC
electric motor for a specific
airplane.

Hobbico's Nexstar is pictured

above is an excellent electric
powered ready-to-fly trainer .
I personally recommend going with
an RTF for your first electric
airplane as it gives you hands on
experience with the various
components of an electric power
system.

Motor Specifications
When shopping for RC electric motors, it's important to understand what all
those numbers and specs really mean.  

Voltage Constant

Kv is the "Voltage Constant". This is how many RPM's the motor turns for
each volt applied. Actually, it's a tad less because motors aren't 100%
efficient.

For example, if you apply 12volts to a 200Kv motor, it will turn at just under
(12 x 200) 2400 RPM's.

Torque Constant

Kt is the "Torque Constant". For all motors, Kt= 1355/Kv. You'll have

to ask someone smarter than me where the 1355 comes from, cause I
don't have a clue! Just accept it for what it is.
In a nut shell, this means the faster the motor spins for a given voltage
(Kv), the lower the output torque will be (Kt).

Outrunners brushless motors generally have a lower Kv, which in turn

produces more torque at a slower speed for spinning those larger props. The
opposite is true with inrunners.

No Load Current

Io is the "No Load Current". This is the amount of current it takes to spin
the RC electric motor with no prop.

For example, if your motor is pulling 25Amps, and the Io is 2Amps, then you
really only have 23Amps turning the prop.

Terminal Resistance

Rm is the "Terminal Resistance". This is the internal resistance of the

motor measured in Ohms. The higher the Rm, the less efficient the
motor is.

Current and Power

The maximum current and power is what determines how large of a prop

and what size plane can be used with the motor. Simply multiply the current
by the battery voltage to get power.

The larger the propeller's diameter and pitch, the more current the RC
electric motor will draw for a given RPM. For example, the 200Kv motor will
run at 2400 RPM's regardless of whether it has a 10x6 prop or a 11x5 prop.
But, the 11x5 prop will cause the motor to draw more current. Drawing too
much current will destroy the motor.
How Much Power Do You Need?
The manual for most ARF'S and kits these days make it really easy for you
by recommending a specific motor. For marketing purposes, they will
obviously recommend the specific brand of RC electric motors that they are
affiliated with. If you'd rather use a different brand all you have to do is find
another motor with comparable power and KV rating.

If you don't have this reference, or are working on a glow to electric

conversion, then you'll need to estimate how much power you will need.

It is accepted by most in the hobby that 100 Watts/lb is a darn good

"estimate" for the power required for an average sports/aerobatic RC
airplane.

If you plan to fly high alpha 3D maneuvers you'll want to bump that up to
maybe 150-200 Watts/lb. You may want to lower this number for a high lift
trainer type airplane. But 100 watts/lb is a good starting point if you going
at it blind.

What about the other components?

Nailing down which RC motor to use is only one piece of the puzzle.  Equally
important is choosing the correct size electronic speed control and battery.
Follow the links below for more insight into this endeavor. 

Choosing an Undrestanding and Basics of Electric

Electronic Speed Choosing Lipo Powered Flight
Controller Battery Packs

Home > Electric RC Airplanes > RC Electric Motors

 LiPo Battery Packs 101
So what exactly are LiPo battery packs and what makes them so special?
That's an excellent question and is the topic of the discussion "what is a LiPo
battery?". This page covers the actual use and care of Lipo packs.  

LiPo batteries aren't like other types of batteries you've used in the past. If
you charge or discharge LiPo's too rapidly there's a good chance you will see
someunexpected fireworks.

It would definitely be a bad day if that happened inside your house or

garage! And I'm pretty sure you've noticed these batteries aren't exactly
cheap either.

Aside from the safety aspect, there are a few things that are extremely
important to know in order to get the full life and best performance from
your LiPo battery packs.

LiPo Cell Voltage

 1

Each individual lithium polymer cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts. Fully
charged voltage is 4.2 volts. It isextremely important that a LiPo battery
cell not be discharged below 3.0 volts or charged beyond 4.2 volts. Doing so
will most certainly damage the battery!

Electronic speed controllers (ESC's)designed for LiPo batteries have a Low

Voltage Cutoff (LVC) that will automatically cut the power to the motor when
the battery voltage (of an individual cell) reaches or nears 3.0 volts.

For example, the lowest safe voltage for a 3s LiPo pack would be 9 volts. A
3s pack is simply three LiPo cells wired in series. If you're not familiar with
what all the "s's and p's" on LiPo batteries mean, head on over to the
discussion about lipo battery sizes.

Capacity and C Rating

An RC LiPo battery pack is designed to deliver or discharge a maximum
amount of current. This value is determined by theC rating of the battery. 

To determine the maximum allowed current, simply multiply the "C rating"
by the capacity of the battery pack.
For example, this 2200mah LiPo battery pack with a 30C rating can safely
provide 30 x 2200mah = 66,000 mA or 66 amps. Which leads to the next
topic...

Lipo Battery Sizes

Discharging a LiPo battery pack at a higher current than it's rated for is
dangerous, not to mention it will drastically shorten the life of your battery.

On the other hand... Having a battery that is too heavy for your airplane will
make it fly like a slug. Striking that delicate balance between weight and
capacity is crucial. 

Don't fret. RTF and BNF RC airplanes come with the correct size battery
already installed for you.

The manuals for most all RC airplanes will tell you what size battery to use.

All LiPo cells have a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts regardless of their capacity.

Can you simply multiply the number of cells by 3.7 volts to get the voltage
of the entire pack? Nope, not quite...

The voltage and the capacity of LiPo battery packs are determined by how
the cells are wired together. Are the cells wired in parallel, series, or a
combination of both?

How the cells are wired together makes all the difference in the world!
The page LiPo Battery Sizes explains this in great detail with some excellent
examples. Go check it out and I'll meet you back here...

LiPo Battery Charging

This is the part that can get you in trouble if you're not careful...

LiPo's are different than any other type of battery, so they must be charged
with a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries.

Even with the correct type of charger, you could very easily wind up seeing
those unwanted fireworks if you charge lipo batteries too quickly!

By following the guidelines for LiPo battery charging you will get better

performance from your LiPo batteries and they will last much longer.

Most importantly, you will greatly reduce the chances (to nearly 0%) of
having a fire that could destroy your home or injury your family

Lipo Battery Sizes

There are lipo battery sizes ranging from tiny one cell packs for micro flyers
to mulit-cell batteries for large scale electric powered planes and heli's. The
voltage and capacity of any size battery pack depends on the capacity of
each cell and how they are wired together.
To understand how LiPo battery packs are sized, you need to have a basic
understanding of voltage and capacity. If you're not that familiar with
batteries, that's OK. Just think of voltage as the "muscle" and capacity as
the "energy" of a battery.

You know from our previous discussion of Lipo Battery Packsthat every lipo
battery cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts. Just remember that the
capacity of LiPo cells can vary, but the voltage of all LiPo cells is the same.

LiPo Cells in Series Increases Voltage

To build voltage, cells are added together in series. The voltage (muscle) of
the LiPo battery pack will continue to increase as more and more cells are
added in series.

But the capacity (energy) of the pack will NOT increase as cells are added in
series.

LiPo Cells in Parallel Increases Capacity

To build capacity, cells are added together in parallel. The capacity (energy)
of the LiPo battery pack will continue to increase as more and more cells are
added in parallel.
But the voltage (muscle) will NOTincrease as cells are added in parallel.

Total Voltage = 3.7 V 

Total Capacity =2100mAh + 2100mAh + 2100mAh = 6300mAh

Building Lithium Polymer Battery Packs

You can build a lithium polymer battery pack to meet the voltage and
capacity requirements for any electric RC airplane by mixing a combination
of cells in series and in parallel.

The specification of each LiPo battery back can be represented by the

standard xsyp naming scheme. The “x” represents the number of cells in
series and the “y” represents the number of cells wired in parallel.

Consider the following examples.

4s2p Lipo Battery Pack

The 4s2p battery pack illustrated above consists of two 4s packs in parallel.

The voltage of a 4s2p battery pack is 4 x 3.7V = 14.8V

The capacity of *this 4s2p battery pack is 2 x 2100mAh = 4200mAh

 2s4p Lipo Battery Pack

A 2s4p Lipo Battery packs consists of four 2s packs in parallel.

The voltage of a 2s4p battery pack is: 2 x 3.7v = 7.4V

The capacity of *this 2s4p battery pack is: 4 x 2100mAh = 8400mAh

*All LiPo cells are 3.7V, but the capacity of LiPo cells vary

Right Size Pack for YOUR Airplane?

The KV rating defines how fast your motor will turn per volt of the battery. 
The more voltage your battery has, the faster the motor will spin. So
choosing the voltage of the battery is directly related to sizing the
propeller for your airplane.

Changing the voltage is probably not something you really want to mess
with too much.  But you might want to experiment with different capacity
batteries.

The weight of a cell is directly proportional to the capacity. You may want to
increase flight times by using a higher capacity battery. Or perhaps you
want to sacrifice flight time for better performance from a lighter battery.

>> Do yourself a favor and buy a current meter

But whatever you do, DO NOT EXCEED the C rating of the battery pack. This
will drastically shorten the life of your battery and very well could catch your
plane on fire.

I strongly recommend that you purchase a current meter. Without one, you
are pretty much blind as to what's going on with your motor.

Current meters are fairly cheap and allow you to see exactly how much
current your motor is drawing. You'd be amazed at how much the current
draw of the motor can be affected by simply changing the pitch or diameter
of your propeller.

A current meter is definitely a must have gadget when determining the

correct LiPo battery sizes for your set up.