Voltimer (oz16508)

About this Plan

Voltimer. Control line sport model, for electric power. Wingspan 1145 mm.

Quote (google-translated): "Electric Control Line Aerobatics: An Experiment. Voltimer, by Claus Maikis.

As an active competition pilot, one rarely indulges in the luxury of delving into things outside one's immediate field. And for a die-hard control line aerobatic pilot, it's hard to imagine enjoying a flying machine that can't perform every conceivable maneuver, but instead struggles to stay aloft. Early electric flight left a similar impression - a non-issue for aerobatic pilots.

The core problem of control line aerobatics - an extremely lightweight airframe with a powerful motor - seemed unsolvable with electric propulsion. But times have changed. Electric flight has come of age. The sight of vertically climbing models suggested that control line flying must also be possible with such performance. That it's possible in principle has long been known, of course. Even before the big RC electric boom, there were people who attempted to fly in circles electrically. Using a kind of 'district heating' system - the large battery on the belt, the power conducted through the lines, with a switch on the handle - they actually managed to get the aircraft to lift its wheels off the ground. That was about the limit. The resistance of the meter-long lines was simply too high. Highly conductive or thicker wires were out of the question due to weight and air resistance - at least one line has to be insulated.

Flying with an onboard battery has also been attempted. With very short lines and small, lightweight batteries, it's certainly possible to fly in circles. And even a loop is possible. But it's still a far cry from aerobatics in the true sense of the word. I am aware that with the appropriate investment of time, money, and materials, considerable achievements are now possible in this field as well. However, my thoughts were heading in a different direction.

For someone who has flown aerobatics for many years and masters even more difficult maneuvers, a simple loop no longer holds much appeal. Producing an aircraft that is clearly inferior to traditional (internal combustion engine-powered) designs is hardly an exciting, motivating challenge. The whole matter must therefore be considered from a different perspective.

The starting point must be completely redefined. Firstly, electric propulsion is, of course, very environmentally friendly. It seems that we will have to turn to it even more in the future - in all areas - because it can free us from the noise problems at airfields. Secondly, fuel-dripping aircraft, oil-stained hands, and smelly airfield clothes are among the few things associated with combustion engine flying that we would gladly do without.

Furthermore, taking on a new (this time electric) task and trying to solve it optimally - however well that may be achieved - can certainly be perceived as a challenge. Ultimately, it doesn't mean that an electric aircraft has to exhibit exactly the same performance and characteristics as a combustion engine aircraft.

Another thought also came into play. Even if it proves impossible to create a high-performance aerobatic aircraft, electric propulsion could still represent a practical alternative for young pilots, with inexpensive motors and a modest number of cells. It would offer a way to take their first steps in control line flying and at least practice the very simplest maneuvers. Simply grab a set of charged batteries and head to the nearest meadow, soccer field, schoolyard, or parking lot - precisely because it's quiet and doesn't cause any unwanted noise.."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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