Motor model
The model of the engine that the model is equipped with. This parameter allows you to find detailed information and refine the features of the engine, which can be especially useful for professional use.
In addition to the name, this paragraph can also specify the type of electric motor (see "Engine") installed in the machine — collector or brushless.
Collector motors are the most simple and affordable, have a small weight and are easily repaired; however, they have a relatively low efficiency, are prone to sparking, and do not "live" for very long. This option is typical for relatively inexpensive devices. Brushless motors, in turn, are more powerful, faster and more durable, but they are not cheap, and repairing such a motor on your own is an almost unrealistic task. They are used mainly in advanced models.
Speed controller (ESC)
The model of the electronic speed controller (ESC) supplied with the aircraft. The maximum current for which such a regulator is designed is often used as the name of the model — for example, 40A.
ESC are modules that control the power supplied to the electric motor. At the same time, unlike regulators based on variable resistors, ESCs do not consume "extra" energy for heating, thus providing a much higher efficiency. In addition, the same unit is usually responsible for control in case of loss of communication with the console: usually, it turns off the motor and puts the servos in the “safe descent” position (planning in a spiral).
The current that the ESC can withstand must not be lower than the maximum current consumed by the electric motor — otherwise the regulator will fail, and most likely at maximum throttle, when it is most critical.
Servo drives
The number of servos that the model is equipped with.
Servo drives are responsible for the movement of mechanization elements (ailerons, stabilizers, rudder, etc.), providing control of the aircraft. Usually, their number corresponds to the number of radio communication channels (see below), however, it can be less (one servo drive can be responsible for two channels).
Fuselage length
The total length of the aircraft fuselage. By itself, it mainly determines the dimensions and "weight category" of the machine, and comparing this parameter with the wingspan (see above), one can evaluate some features of the use and controllability of the device.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery supplied with the aircraft.
Theoretically, the higher the battery capacity, the more energy it can store and the longer the battery life can be. However, theoretically, battery life also depends on the power (read — energy consumption) of the engine, and in fact, it also depends on the flight style, the intensity of manoeuvring and other situational factors. Therefore, it is worth focus not so much on the battery capacity as on more practical parameters — first of all, the same operating time stated in the specifications.
At the same time, capacity data can be useful in some calculations — for example, when estimating the battery life of a larger battery. With an increase in capacity, battery life, usually, grows proportionally: for example, if a 1.5 Ah battery gave 15 minutes of flight, then with a 3 Ah battery this figure can reach 30 minutes. However note that more capacious batteries weigh more; this is especially noticeable with a small weight of the aircraft.
Battery voltage
Rated voltage of the battery supplied with the aircraft.
This parameter is selected by the manufacturers to provide the required motor and servo performance. Therefore, when buying and regular use, you can not pay special attention to it. In fact, voltage data is needed primarily when looking for a spare or replacement battery.
Battery type
The type of battery supplied with or recommended for use with the model.
— Ni-Mh. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a combination of reliability, good capacity, resistance to temperature extremes and low cost. In addition, they are almost not subject to the “memory effect” (drop in capacity when charging a battery that is not completely discharged). On the other hand, in most characteristics, such batteries are inferior to lithium-ion and lithium-polymer ones, and therefore are used relatively rarely, mainly in inexpensive models.
— Li-pol. Lithium-polymer batteries are a further development of lithium-ion and have quite advanced characteristics. Of these, it is worth mentioning, in particular, the high charge density (that is, good capacity with small size and weight, which is especially important for flying equipment), as well as the absence of a “memory effect”. Such batteries are much more expensive than nickel-metal hydride ones, but this disadvantage is more than offset by advantages. Thanks to all this, most modern radio-controlled aircraft use lithium-polymer batteries.
— AA. "AA" is not a battery manufacturing technology, but a size known to many as ordinary "finger-type" batteries. In this standard size, both batteries and disposable cells can be produced, and both of them are on the market in many varieties that differ in quality, capacity and price. Another difference between the AA elements and the options described above is...that they are initially removable and allow for quick replacement. “Finger” elements are sold almost everywhere, in addition, the user has a choice: regularly buy inexpensive disposable elements or fork out once for batteries, but no longer worry about additional costs. On the other hand, the power of such a power supply is small, and it is suitable only for small models with the simplest functionality — in more solid equipment, it is more rational to use specialized batteries. Also note that even in the RTR package (see above), batteries are most often not included in the kit.
Battery model
Model of the battery supplied with the aircraft. This data can be useful both for clarifying the detailed characteristics of the battery, and for finding a replacement or spare battery.
Number of channels
The number of control channels provided in the radio-controlled model.
Each such channel is responsible for a separate control function: the operation of the rudder, elevators, etc. For the simplest models, two channels are enough — in height and roll, or in height and direction. Full-fledged "aircraft" control requires four channels — for roll, altitude, direction and engine thrust. In addition, in advanced models (mostly copies, see below), additional channels may be provided to control additional wing mechanization (flaps, spoilers, air brakes), landing gear retraction / extension and brakes, side lights, etc.
