1. What is the Electric Motor Horsepower Calculation?

The horsepower calculation for RC plane electric motors determines the power required to produce a given thrust at a specific velocity, accounting for motor efficiency. It helps in selecting the appropriate motor and power system for RC aircraft.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( Thrust \) — Force produced by the propeller (Newtons)
• \( Velocity \) — Airspeed of the aircraft (meters/second)
• \( Efficiency \) — Motor/propeller efficiency (0-1)
• 746 — Conversion factor from watts to horsepower

Explanation: The equation converts mechanical power (thrust × velocity) to horsepower while accounting for system efficiency losses.

3. Importance of Horsepower Calculation

Details: Proper horsepower calculation ensures your RC plane has adequate power for flight while avoiding excessive weight from oversized motors and batteries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure thrust using a thrust stand or manufacturer specifications
• Use desired cruise velocity in m/s (convert from km/h if needed)
• Typical efficiency ranges from 0.7-0.9 for brushless motors

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure thrust for my RC plane?
A: Use a thrust stand with a digital scale or refer to motor/propeller manufacturer test data.

Q2: What's a good efficiency value for brushless motors?
A: Quality brushless motors typically have 80-90% efficiency (0.8-0.9).

Q3: How does this relate to battery selection?
A: Multiply HP by 746 to get watts, then consider voltage to determine required current draw.

Q4: What's a typical HP range for RC planes?
A: Small park flyers: 0.01-0.1 HP, Large scale: 0.5-5 HP, depending on size and performance needs.

Q5: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, add 20-30% extra power for climb performance and headroom.