Midwest Citabria electric

[captinnitro]

Hi I am about to start building this plane. I had intended to go with a .90 engine in it. I was wondering what type of motor it would take to make this plane perform as if it had a .90 gasser. I really don’t want an underpower plane. The wingspan is 80.75” with an area of 970 sq.in. Any ideas with the power set up will be helpful. Thank you.

[hermperez]

check around the field and tach an plane with a 90 on it, also note the prop size and type.. from that one of the simulation programs we can calculate power needed. I would guess 1000 watts for a 90 2strk.

I have checked 120 four strokes and they range from 1200 to 1900 watts of power, depending on the engine.

[tIANcI]

The AUW would be a good guide ...

[captinnitro]

The auw I am told is about 8 lbs. (3.6 kg) I was also told that this plane calls for .60 2 - stroke but it flies better with a .90.

[hermperez]

what is the biggest prop size it can clear?

[captinnitro]

Master Airscrew 11x8 is the largest it calls for.

[thunder1]

I converted this model for a guy at my flying club. I used an Axi 4130/16 6s lipos with a 13x8 prop. It is very light and takes off in just a few feet. It has enough power for the occasional loop and roll, but it's no 3D monster. The owner wanted scale type performance. If you want great aerobatic performance, go with a 15x10 APC E prop. Many have used that combo on 8-9 lb conversions with great success.

A very long Citabria conversion thread is here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531731

[slacsteve]

My example of large electric conversion: Hanger 9 Super Cub ARF, 30 cells NiMH 3300mah, Axi 5330/18, Phoenix 85HV, 1600 square inches, 100 inch wingspan, 17 pounds. Super wattmeter on board recorded max of 62 amps, 1700 watts. Climbed at 40+ degrees. Huge loops. Of course this almost 100 watts per pounds. Very impressive amidst the park flyers. ROG on deep grass with initial up elevator to keep from tipping forward. Not long though.

[tIANcI]

8 lbs ... anything like 4130/16 would fine, you want to turn a 16x8 or 16x10

[captinnitro]

Thank you guys great tips!

[Grant Lord]

I scratch built one from midwest plans. it came out at 7 pounds and is a great flyer. i recomend that if want to convert one to build the fusalage up from sticks instead of using the plank siding that comes with it. replace any of the wood that is heavy. I had a friend that had a gas one on a 91 four stroke and it was close to 10 pounds. i have the 4130/16 in it on 6s, at 7 pounds and it has good power.
grant

[captinnitro]

Well I am about to order the AXI Gold 4130/20 and the Jeti Advance PLUS 77 Opto combo for $289. I really don’t know if that’s the best price. I decided to go with a 4130/20 over the 4130/16. The 20 allows me to spin a 16x10 on 8S. I hope I don’t regret not going with the 5330/18. Thank you guys!
Bob

[thunder1]

Wow, a 3D capable Citabria. The name comes from airbatic spelled backwards. But I'm not sure the designer was thinking 3D.

I can't imagine needing a 5330/18. You skipped past the 5320 series, which is certainly more powerful than the 4130 series. The 5330 series is capable of delivering over 2000 watts continuously. It can yank 15 lb models around the air with ease.

[captinnitro]

The only reason why I skipped past the 5320 was because for an extra $18 I would get a more powerful motor. Now the difference between the 4130 and the 5320 is a little over $100.

[thunder1]

The 5330 is also about 6 ounces heavier than the 5320. The 5330 is nearly 9 ounces heavier than the 4130/20.

Here's a motor nearly identical to the 5320/28 for $70

https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2130

[captinnitro]

The only thing that worries me is the amount of power needed to operate this motor. It calls for 10s The axi calls for 8s. However you can’t beat the rice!

[airorv]

Hermperez,

Don't you have one of these Citabria's in your club? Carlos was the one that had it. I think it was powered with an Astro motor, but the thread just stopped without conclusion. Any news?

[thunder1]

The only thing that worries me is the amount of power needed to operate this motor. It calls for 10s The axi calls for 8s. However you can’t beat the rice!

I'm using that motor with 9s in an 11 lb F8F Bearcat. It rocks.

United Hobbies also carries the new Tower Pro 4130 clones.
https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4569

[captinnitro]

Do you have the lynk to the Bearcat?
what type of esc did you go with?

[thunder1]

I used a CC Phoenix 45 HV ESC.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576476