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).
Wingspan
The wing span is the distance from one extreme point of the wing to the other (in other words, the distance between the left and right tips). For biplanes (see "Type") with wings of different sizes, the largest span is indicated.
Long(relative to the fuselage) wings provide more lift and make it easier to fly in gliding mode (for example, with a failed engine). In addition, the aircraft is more stable — but also less agile. Another disadvantage of a long wing is its high drag, which requires a lot of engine power and makes it difficult to accelerate to high speeds. In light of all this, aerobatic models (both fanflyers and beginners, see "Type") typically have relatively small wingspans.
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 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.
Operating time
The operating time of a radio-controlled aircraft on one full charge of the battery, in fact, is the time that the model can spend in the air without recharging.
Note that manufacturers usually indicate the operating time for optimal conditions: level flight at low speed, without sharp manoeuvres and engine “re-gassing”. In fact, the duration of the flight depends on the characteristics of piloting and can be noticeably less than stated in the characteristics. Nevertheless, this parameter characterizes the overall battery life well and allows you to compare different models with each other.