Geared Super Flying Models Speed 400
Although all my models fly very well on
the stock direct drive Speed 400 powerplant, there are several options
for upgrading the power for even better performance. With the steady
proliferation of more and better high-efficiency motors, this list is by
no means comprehensive, but it covers some tried and true options:
Geared Speed 400 Motor: For some time I've tended to avoid using geared motors in my Speed 400 warbirds. While a geardrive offers increased efficiency, I couldn't find a gearbox that met all my needs for a plane of this type. I wanted light weight, a gear ratio of less than 2:1, and high quality gears; all hopefully at a reasonable cost - I don't like the idea of putting a $50 gearbox on an $8 motor.
Horizon Hobbies has come to the rescue with a geared motor that fills all these requirements, all at the bargain cost of $18. The geared 380 motor from Super Flying Models comes pre-mounted on a generic 6 volt 400-size motor, and it features helically-cut metal gears and dual ball bearings. With 7 cells it'll spin an APC 8 X 6E prop at 7,200 RPM. I'm presently running this system in my Hellcat with 7 X 700AR cells. Flight performance is very nice, and I get flight times of 6 to 7 minutes.
AstroFlight
Brushless 020: This was the first brushless motor to see
widespread use in 400-size aircraft, and it remains my motor of choice
where raw speed is the goal. For my models I recommend the direct
drive motor with a 6 X 4 prop and 7 cells. Cells we've test flown
include 700AR, 800AR and CP-1300. The 020 is especially convenient
in that it has the exact same mounting footprint as a stock Speed 400,
so installation is a snap.
Hacker B20-12L: The Hacker brushless motors have quickly earned a reputation for quality, efficiency and performance, and the geared B20-12L is an excellent choice for Speed 400 size aircraft. I'm presently using this motor in my military Bearcat. On 7 X 700AR cells, it spins an APC 8 X 6E prop at 8,200 RPM, and flight duration is 7 minutes. Cells up to CP-1300 size will work with this system. There are several sensorless controllers suitable for this motor; I'm using the Jeti/Hacker "Master" Series 30-3P controller.
Mega 16/15/6: The Mega 16/15/X series may be the closest effort yet at a drop-in replacement for a Speed 400 motor. Available in a wide range of winds, they're suitable from anything from EDFs, pylon racers and geared setups to torquey direct drive motors that can spin relatively large props without the aid of a gearbox. My personal favorite so far is the 16/15/6 with a Jeti 18-3P controller. On 8 cells, this combo will spin a 7 X 5 prop at 11,000 RPM, pulling 11 amps. This offers spritely but scale-like performance, and with the HE1100 NiMH cells, gives flight duration of 10 minutes.
HE1000 NiMH Cells: Over the years I've continued to recommend 500AR and 600AE NiCad cells for my Speed 400-size aircraft. Other cell chemistries such as NiMH have made inroads in both smaller and larger models, but the cells that were of an appropriate size and capacity for Speed 400 warbirds just didn't work all that well. That's finally changed with the advent of the HE1000 cells being imported by edogfight.com. These cells deliver higher power than 600AE cells throughout the flight, and they increase duration by 3 minutes or more. In terms of size, weight and prop selection, they're a drop-in replacement, so no other mods to the airframe or powerplant are needed. After initial slow charging, they'll handle 2C charge rates (2A), so you won't be constantly waiting on the charger. In my opinion, these cells are the most revolutionary change in Speed 400 power since miniature BEC speed controls.
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