R/C Aircraft conversion from glow to electric/solar

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The discussion centers on converting an R/C aircraft designed for a .40 glow engine to electric power, with future plans for solar energy. Key uncertainties include whether to use a brushless or brushed motor, the choice of a LiPo battery pack, and how to calculate the output of a solar array based on location and time of day. The user has researched but seeks definitive answers, particularly regarding motor selection and solar integration. The motivation for this project stems from a shift at the local R/C strip towards electric and silent flight. This conversion is seen as both a challenging project and an opportunity to enhance knowledge in the field.
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Hi

Title says what I am trying to do. I have an R/C Aircraft that was designed for a .40 glow engine and I want to convert it to electric and power it from a battery, and then solar.

I am having issues of where to go next with my project, I have done some calculations, but stuck more on fundementals.

What I am unsure of is;

1) Brushless or Brush motor?
2) Battery pack, LiPo?
3) Solar array?
----- Formula to find from solar array spec, the likely output of the solar arrays taking into account location and time of day?

I have looked over google/bing/yahoo and found some great info, but can't really find definative answers for the above. Some projects seem to go for brush, or brushless motors and don't give a justification as to why, so I am lost to know what's better.

Project has came about as all but a handful of us at the local r/c strip are using electric or silent flight, and they've called for all electric and silent from next year.

So its buy an electric plane, nice an easy. Or its convert the existing one to electric which seems a great project, and way to expand my knowledge.
 
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Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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