Want some more power?

If you like the idea of small electric models but you want more performance than the inexpensive S400 motors can give, you might wonder, "Is there anything available between the S400 type and the larger, heavier, 'oh-five' or R/C car motors?" Well, the answer is a resounding yes!

For a little more money and a little more weight (about an ounce more), there are the *Speed 480" motors. These are a bit bigger in diameter, have larger, replaceable brushes and can be found for around $40, with ball bearings and adjustable timing. They operate best at a higher current level; 15 to 20 amps rather than the 8 to 12 amps of S400 types, so they need speed controls with at least a 20A continuous current rating and will need larger cells to give the same flight times. A couple of gearboxes are available for these motors, and they will also fit the Modelair-Tech H-100 belt drive.

But what if you don't want more weight, or you want more efficiency, or you don't want to worry about brushes wearing out? Then, for $200 for the motor and special speed control, you can get the new AstroFlight Brushless 020. This motor is smaller than an S400, and its matching controller is also quite compact. Together, the two weigh just about the same as an S400 and a Castle Creations Sprite 20. But-and here's the cool part-you can run this combo on 10 cells at 15 amps, which is just about twice the power level of an S400, for the same weight. More of that power goes into turning the prop, too, since the little brushless motor is at least 15 percent more efficient than an S400. That means that if you use the brushless 020 at S400 power levels, you'll either get higher performance and similar durations, or similar performance and longer flights, especially if you fly at part throttle a lot, as I do.

So, if an S400 is a little too tame for you, there are several ways to go faster or climb higher without giving up the fun of a small electric plane.