Model Airplane Engines

Most flying model airplanes are propelled by one of four types of model airplane engine: cold power engines, internal combustion motors, jet and rocket power, and electric model airplane engines. These powerplants turn an airscrew (more commonly known as a propeller), which provides thrust and moves the military model airplane through the air. Cool running Cold power model airplane engines, so named because they become cooler when running, rather than hotter like combustion engines and batteries, usually power simple, lightweight models. Model airplane engines that store and release compressed gas, such as CO2, are examples of cold power engines, as is the elastic motor, which is basically a rubber band wound tight prior to takeoff. Elastic motors are one of the oldest forms of model airplane engines. Glowing example Larger and heavier model planes may employ a glow-engine, a form of internal combustion model airplane engine. Working along the same principals as a motorcycle engine - though on a much simpler scale - the glow engine has long been the model airplane engine of choice in the radio control community.

Rocket man

Jet turbines used by hobbyists are often simple versions of the powerplants used in commercial airliners. But because turbines require highly specialized design and must be precisely manufactured, they are often priced beyond the means of casual hobbyists wishing to use them as model airplane engines. Rocket model airplane engines are readily available, but short periods of power output (usually less than 10 seconds) and strict government regulations render these model airplane engines unpopular for powering free-flight models.

Charged up

Battery-powered electric model airplane engines first tested in the 1970s achieved modest flight times of 5-10 minutes. By the 1990s, improvements to the efficiency of the motors and higher-capacity batteries led to substantially longer flight times and the ability to add electric power to larger and heavier model airplanes.

With so many different styles, price ranges, and ideal applications, finding the right model airplane engine to suit your needs is a breeze and the right engine will enhance the realistic appeal of your model plane.