•  More Pilot Proficiency Training 

 


Electra on 10S Power
High Performance - Cost Effective

Now even better with ThunderPower

 

 

 

 

65C 5S 2P 6600 mAh Saddle Cells
   

  We really like these batteries for cool performance and extended flight time.  Our first chance to really put these cells to the test in a 10S configured Electra was Markham Park Jet Rally in November 2011.
  The Electra weights 15 # with batteries installed and a static thrust test yielded 14 1/2 + Lbs. of thrust.  Experience observers were impressed with the vertical performance and 160-170 mph speeds.
   We had some challenging crosswinds at the Markham Park event, so I limited flight time to 6 minutes.  Saving some electrons for a possible go-around is our practice.  We used a single set of these 5S2P 6600 mAh packs and a PowerLab 8 charger to accomplish 5 flights with recharges amounting to:

3316mAh       3692mAh       4130mAh       3695mAh       4157mAh 

The recharge time of 25-30 minutes allowed the pilot (BV) to fly 3 other jets multiple times during a very busy day.

 

Electra + EVF ~2~ 10S

So Simple - So Efficient
for Pilot Proficiency

by Bob Violett

Electra and equipment in Surburban 65c 6600mAh 5 cell packs being installed
LiPo's Installed with Power Plug 2 Take Off
160+ mph Fly-By Approach to landing

 

  "Pilot Proficiency Training" is what we called it in the Navy, and so that is my excuse to sneak out of work a half hour early one day a week.  We have 10 ready-to-fly EVF jets at BVM, but the quickest, lightest, and easiest to load into my  Suburban for the getaway is an Electra with EVF ~2~ 10S power.  This particular 6 year old model utilizes BVM servo driven retracts further minimizing the support equipment.  The latest A7000 Retract Servo is a great improvement to these mechanical retracts. 

  It's 60" span allows transport with the wings on.  So, you can see from the photo that to support a few flights, you need very little equipment: the Electra, transmitter case, LiPo travel case with 2 sets of batteries and an E-Meter.  Just in case, I bring a tool box and a small bottle of C.A. and kicker.

  At the field, it requires just 2 trips from the back of the SUV to the flight line to position the model, transmitter, and LiPo case.  Recheck the LiPo's voltage, load them in the model and then it's "plug-n-play". I usually assign a purpose to each flight i.e. practice a certain few maneuvers multiple times to improve my flight demo routine.  The ThunderPower (2) 65c 5s 2p 5300mAh Saddle Cells allow 6 minute flights and the (2) 65c 5s 2p 6600mAh Saddle Cells provide 7 minute flights. If you are in the early stages of gaining proficiency, dedicate the first flight to practice approaches and go-arounds or touch and go's.

  Summertime in Florida means 90-95
° F in the afternoon and that's OK for the equipment just described.  The design of the EVF-2's and -3's allows the motor and ESC to run very cool, even 115°+ desert temperatures can't hurt them.

  Now, with a year of experience and hundreds of flights on multiple sets of ThunderPower 65c LiPo's, we haven't injured a single pack.  Of all of those in customer's use, we know of 2 sets that dropped a cell.  And, of course, ThunderPower replaced them.

  After-flight battery temperatures on a 90-95
°F day will be about 115°F.  It makes sense to curtail flight time by about 1 minute if you are operating at higher temperatures.

  Jet pilots enjoy the personal satisfaction of a flight presentation "well done".  The Electra with EVF ~2~ 10s power offers a simple and efficient way to accomplish and maintain those skills.

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