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Can a Great Planes Lancair (80" version) be converted from IC to Elec


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I have a Great Planes Lancair (This is the 80” wingspan version. Weight 8.5 to 9lb approx) and was wondering if it would be possible to convert from IC to Electric?
 
If so, what parts are required?
Engine mount
Motor (Currently is fitted with a ASP 91 Four Stroke)
ESC

I currently have two Kokam 3200 3S-1P 11.1 volt batteries. Would this be enough to power it or is more battery power required?

Be interested to know your thoughts.

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Hi Christian and welcome.
 
The weight is similar to the Hangar 9 P-47 that my flying buddy Nasa Steve has recently electrified.
Not sure what motor he used (an AXI outrunner I think) but he uses a 6S 3700mAh pack with an 80amp ESC and a 16" wooden JXF prop (if memory serves). 

You'll need a stand-off mount (the adjustable sliding mounts from BRC Hobbies are superb and make installation so easy). 

Best thing is to speak to one of the electric flight specialists and they'll be able to recommend a motor. Lots of flyers are now converting 8-9lb sports and scale models. The only downside to some older models is that battery access means the wing must be removed - newer designs coming though have a removeable top hatch which makes life easy.  
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A 9lb model is going to need the higher voltage of at least 5 or 6 cells in order to keep the current manageable at the sort of watts (power ) you need. This is likely to be around 1000 watts minimum for a sports model ( 100watts per pound ).
You could use the 2 X 3s packs in series, but the flight times may be a bit short as they are not especially large capacity @3200 ma, certainly worth a try, as you need to buy the motor and ESC anyway, and if flight times are unsatisactory, then new batteris will be needed, at which point you may consider A123 cells instead.
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  • 1 month later...
I have a 9.5 lb Tucano, designed for a 120 FS and have converted that to electric. I use a Pro-Flight 60 motor with a 6s 4000  lipo and 80A ESC and 14x6 prop. 
Fly this often at my club site. I would upload some pics if I could figure out how on this site.

Lee

Edited By Lee Bentley on 26/10/2009 15:43:54

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Thanks for clear instructions Timbo, Ill upload to gallery later. In the meantime here are some of the pics of my Tucano. Some changes were made since pics were taken in that I have done away with three blade prop for flying and changed the ESC. the original 80A one failed during a landing approach which caused some embarassment. not one of my better sky to ground transitions.
 






 

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