Worked examples determining the motor/controller requirements of your model.

1. Power can be measured in watts. For example: 1 horsepower = 746 watts

2. You determine watts by multiplying ‘volts’ times ‘amps’. Example: 10 volts x 10 amps = 100 watts

Volts x Amps = Watts

3. You can determine the power requirements of a model based on the ‘Input Watts Per Kg’ guidelines found below, using the flying weight of the model (with battery):

NOTE: These guidelines were developed based upon the typical parameters of our E-flite motors. These guidelines may vary depending on other motors and factors such as efficiency and prop size.

4. Determine the Input Watts Per kg required to achieve the desired level of performance:

0.95kg x 330 watts per kg = 315 Input Watts of total power (minimum) required to achieve the desired performance

5. Determine a suitable motor based on the model’s power requirements. The tips below can help you determine the power capabilities of a particular motor and if it can provide the power your model requires for the desired level of performance:

Average Voltage (depending on cell count) x Continuous Current = Continuous Input Watts

Average Voltage (depending on cell count) x Max Burst Current = Burst Input Watts

HINT: The typical average voltage under load of a Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cell is 1.0 volt. The typical average voltage under load of a Li-Po cell is 3.3 volts. This means the typical average voltage under load of a 10 cell Ni-MH pack is approximately 10 volts and a 3 cell Li-Po pack is approximately 9.9 volts. Due to variations in the performance of a given battery, the average voltage under load may be higher or lower. These however are good starting points for initial calculations.

Model: E-flite Brio 10 ARF
Estimated Flying Weight w/Battery: 950grams
Total Input Watts Required for Desired Performance: 315 (minimum)

  • Motor: Power 10

  • Max Continuous Current: 30A*

  • Max Burst Current: 38A*

  • Cells (Li-Po): 3

3 Cells, Continuous Power Capability: 9.9 Volts (3 x 3.3) x 30 Amps = 297 Watts
3 Cells, Max Burst Power Capability: 9.9 Volts (3 x 3.3) x 38 Amps = 376 Watts

Per this example, the Power 10 motor (when using a 3S Li-Po pack) can handle up to 376 watts of input power, readily capable of powering the Brio 10 ARF with the desired level of performance (requiring 315 watts minimum). You must however be sure that the battery chosen for power can adequately supply the current requirements of the system for the required performance.

Examples of Airplane Setups

NOTE: All data measured at full throttle. Actual performance may vary depending on battery and flight conditions.

E-flite Brio 10 ARF

Option 1:

Amps Volts Watts Input Watts/Kg RPM
37.2 9.6 357 375 7800

Expect good speed and extreme vertical power for artistic aerobatics. Average duration is approximately 6-9 minutes depending on throttle management.

Option 2:

Amps Volts Watts Input Watts/Kg RPM
33.0 9.8 323 340 8700

Expect high speeds and strong vertical performance ideal for F3A precision and artistic aerobatics. Average duration is approximately 7-10 minutes depending on throttle management.