Multi-Engined RC Airplanes - What You Need to Know

In this article, we're talking about twin and multi-motored electric model aircraft and why you should fly them.

Multi-Engined RC Airplanes might seem intimidating, but they shouldn't be. Unlike with full-scale, they're really not all that different to single-motored planes and yet newer pilots still stay clear. Perhaps in the days before brushless electric power systems, you'd have more to think about (starting two engines by hand, running fuel lines, etc) but electric makes it much cleaner.  

Why You Should Try a Twin

If you haven't already, listen to this Flite Test podcast to hear Josh Bixler's thoughts on twin-motored RC planes and why he loves them. Skip forward to 17:30 to hear the specific section. 

Wiring 

With a twin, you're going to need to get your head around how power systems are wired. Usually, a twin uses two Electronic Speed Controllers that both have wires that plug into your receiver. However, only one needs to feed the receiver with power. This means you'll need to detach your red positive wire from the ESC receiver lead. 

The ESC doesn't need this positive lead as its power is supplied from the LiPo plugged directly into it. As long as you have another ESC plugged in normally, all should work fine. You just need a signal wire and negative wire so that this ESC knows how to control the motor. Simply tape the spare positive wire out of the way. 

If this isn't clear, you can watch this part of the FT Legacy build to see how Josh wires up the two motors. Simply skip forward to 17:07. 

Flight Experience

Flying a twin or multi-motored RC plane can be a very rewarding experience. Unlike with a single motored plane, you can use differential thrust to precicely navigate turns, pull of hammerheads and perform flat spins. It can also help you correct a crosswind landing and land like a pro.

It also goes without saying that more motors equal more power! 

Having extra motors can also be an advantage in a combat situation. 

The number one thing that you need to know about multi-engined RC airplanes is that they're really not as complex as you think. They have many benefits for only a little more work when building. Keep at least one in your fleet and you'll see what we mean. 

Our Recommendations

For your first twin-engined RC plane, here are our suggestions for great beginner platforms.  

FT Sea Duck 

Many have a soft spot for the Sea Duck. It's large, has great maneuverability and is forgiving. It is an intense build, but extremely rewarding. 

https://store.flitetest.com/flite-test-sea-duck-electric-airplane-kit-1422mm-flt-1040/p673704

FT Guinea Pig

The Guinea was designed by our friend and Flite Tester, Peter Sripol. It can carry cargo, drop parachutes and generally be an all-round experiments plane. 

https://store.flitetest.com/flite-test-sea-duck-electric-airplane-kit-1422mm-flt-1040/p673704

FT Legacy 

The Legacy is a very special airplane. It symbolizes the community and what it has done for growing Flite Test to what it is today. If you want to keep one in your hangar, you can! 

https://store.flitetest.com/flite-test-legacy-electric-airplane-kit-1422mm-flt-1062/p860563

FT A-10

If you're up for a monster build, the A-10 would be the perfect choice of airplane for you. Did we mention that it flies like a dream? With a wingspan of over 60 inches, the wing loading is low and the power is high. 

https://store.flitetest.com/flite-test-ft-a10-warthog-electric-airplane-kit-1537mm-flt-1063/p873722

Article by James Whomsley

Editor of FliteTest.com

Contact: james@flitetest.com

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/projectairaviation