future of RC: A new millennium in modeling, The

Model Airplane News, Jan 2000 by Aberle, Bob, Gierke, Dave

ELECTRIC-POWERED FLIGHT

During the past 20 years or more, electric power has been on the rise within the ranks of model aviation. Basic ferrite motor technology has been expanded into cobalt magnet motors and brushless DC motor technology. Each new type offers better efficiency than its predecessor. Our battery technology has also constantly improved. And, we have more efficient motor drive trains that substitute belt- and gear-reduction drive for the time-honored direct drive. The result is larger props that develop more thrust but turn at lower speeds and with less current drain. The bottom line is that we are now able to fly larger models for longer periods of time, but we have still only seen the tip of the iceberg.

The new millennium will undoubtedly bring us a new world of practical electricpowered automobiles. From that improved technology will likely come spinoffs that will benefit electric-powered flight. Who knows? We might even see a miniaturized fuel cell developed to generate electric power from fuel or gas expressly for model airplane use. We may also see improved electronics that allow us to use AC motors. Electric-powered flight is still in its early stages; as we continue to pursue this form of power, it can only get better.

SUMMARY

There is much we can and hope to do in the next millennium to advance our wonderful hobby. We need to bolster the enthusiasm of our young people so that our ranks continue to be filled by the younger generation. Computers, Internet activities and simulators will all help; but the bottom line is that you must still take all of that technology and go flying. That's what it was always about, and that's what it will continue to be about in the next century.

Tracing the development of model airplane engines through the 20th century (see the December '99 Model Airplane News) was fun and enlightening, but the next question is, "What does the 21st century have in store?"

Although cumulative design experience helped improve engine performance after 1932, the exponential growth of scientific and technological knowledge during this period played a much larger role.

For the last 70 years, the motorcycle industry has offered the biggest bang for the research buck in terms of improved piston engines, but circumstances changed in the last decade. The U.S. military has found exciting new applications for prime movers of all types and sizes, while government agencies continue to provide millions for their advancement. Now, however, these same agencies demand technology transfer strategies, detailing how new developments can be used by the commercial sector. The world of model aviation will eventually benefit from all of this.

Because I'm not one to gaze into a crystal ball, the best I can offer is an extrapolation of current research and development, which may provide insight into model aviation's power and propulsion future.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are hot topics for military strategists, thus providing American universities, think tanks, large corporations, small businesses and individuals with a new crusade.