Author: Mark Rudner
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/01
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
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CL Combat 2014/01

Thoughts on electric-powered Combat

by Mark Rudner [email protected]

Greetings from your new CL Combat foreign correspondent! For those who regularly read this column, it must come as a surprise to see a new name in the byline. Rich Lopez has done an amazing job keeping this column going for the past 20 years. That's right—20 years, nonstop. Rich has been our eyes, ears, and voice in MA. I suspect that at times it has been a thankless job, yet he has done a great service to our community. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude. I hope that when you see him you will let him know how much you appreciate all that he's done for us.

This summer during the Nats, Rich and I discussed a new format for the column in which we alternate as authors. I hope to add some new and different perspectives to the pages of MA.

My current situation is unusual. Because I recently moved to Denmark for work, I'm slightly less connected with domestic goings-on; this is especially the case regarding unofficial events such as F2D Fast, in which I am not participating. Rich will continue to keep us updated on those fronts during his months. On the other hand, my new ZIP code (or "postnummer" as they call it here) has me situated in the thick of the international F2D (FAI Combat) scene. This is an area where I hope to bring something new to the magazine.

Another area where I hope to contribute is periodic updates about developments in electric-powered Combat. Unlike CL Speed (which has an electric-only subclass) or CL Stunt (where electric- and internal-combustion-powered models compete equally), currently no official CL Combat event (AMA or FAI) allows electric-powered models.

Until recently, the technology wasn't available to make electric-powered Combat models that could offer performance comparable to high-performance, internal-combustion-engine-powered models. We have finally reached a point where similar levels of performance are becoming possible and more pilots are exploring the possibilities offered by electric power.

To summarize the present state of affairs: Lothar Hentschel and I, as well as others, have demonstrated that standard F2D models retrofitted with electric components can achieve speeds in excess of 100 mph (slightly faster than current top-of-the-line F2D models), with a weight penalty of roughly 40–50 grams (about 1.5 ounces) and a reduced flying time of approximately 1.5 minutes. These initial results are encouraging, but there is still a long way to go before electric-powered Combat models will have the same snappy response characteristics as standard models.

Little targeted model development for electric power has been done so far. Larger weight savings are possible through more efficient wiring, better heat management, and airframe designs tailored to an electric powerplant's smooth-running characteristics.

With these challenges ahead, what motivation might one have for building an electric Combat model? For me, the biggest potential advantage is opening up a large number of new flying sites where I can practice. Although electric models may not currently—or ever—be a direct replacement for the exhilarating rush of flying a model powered by a screaming 2.5 cc nitro-burning engine, if by building one I can double the amount of flying time I get between contests, it will be a huge benefit to my overall flying.

Additionally, inexpensive and easy-to-use electric models may provide a palatable entry point for newcomers. At a time when our ranks are dwindling, any means of gaining more positive public exposure should be considered. Stopping short of seeking all-out maximum performance, my impression (not having experimented in this direction myself) is that electric power could provide a viable option in the unofficial Speed Limit Combat events (75 mph, 80 mph, and Formula GX) that are widely flown across the country.

Phil Cartier demonstrated one of his models at the Nats this summer. Bob Mears even flew an electric-powered model in a Speed Limit Combat contest in Phoenix in early 2013 and took home first place. This success came in no small part because of Bob's excellent flying skills, but it demonstrates that the potential is there.

Many questions abound surrounding the emerging potential of Electric Combat:

  • Should electric-powered models be allowed to fly head-to-head with internal-combustion-powered models?
  • Should there be a separate class for electrics?
  • Should electric Combat be flown at all?

As with all aspects of aeromodeling, proper safety considerations should be taken into account—especially when handling LiPo batteries. Other sections of this magazine contain useful information on this topic.

I've received many emails asking how to get started using electric power, so I've included photos showing one method for adapting electric components to existing Combat models. A website with a detailed parts list and commentary is in the works.

Danish World Cup

I received word from Henning Forbech that plans are set for the 2014 Danish World Cup, which will take place June 6–8, 2014, in Aalborg, Denmark. This year's competition comes with two special bonuses.

All competitors will be guaranteed at least three rounds. Although the formal competition will be run as double elimination, all pilots who lose their first two matches will be given a chance to fly in a "loser flyoff" round. Nobody travels to a contest with the intention of losing two rounds, but consider it insurance for the trip.

An electric Combat competition will be held in conjunction with the F2D World Cup. As I write this, details are still being arranged. For up-to-the-minute information about the competition, visit the website listed in "Sources."

One week after this competition there will be another World Cup event in Sebnitz, Germany, opening the possibility of a two-for-one European contest trip. In addition to the Danish event and the German Zweilander competition, there will be another chance for an F2D doubleheader in Kiev, Ukraine, in May.

On May 14–16 the Latvian Aeromodelling Federation will sponsor a Control Line World Cup (F2A, F2B, F2C, and F2D) in Kiev. Immediately afterward, on May 17–18, there will be another F2D World Cup at the same site. It promises to be an exciting week of flying, featuring many of the top pilots from around the world. I'll be there. Will you?

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.