How to Set the Engine Thrust on an RC Airplane

A propeller creates thrust.

In order for an airplane to take off and move through the air, it needs thrust. Thrust is determined by the diameter of the propeller. However, you can't just pick a propeller at random, fasten it to your RC plane, and take off. There are many things that you need to take into consideration, as well as many different sizes and styles of propellers to choose from.

Things You'll Need

• RC engine
• Propeller size chart
• RC airplane
• Tape measure or ruler

Instructions

1. Locate the size of your engine. It will either be on the engine itself, or on the box it came in.

2. Look at the propeller chart and find the engine size. The chart will tell you which propeller sizes work the best.

3. Measure the wingspan and fuselage of the airplane.

4. Choose which propeller will work best for the airplane. The larger the diameter of the propeller, the more thrust it will create. You do not want to put a large propeller on a small plane, as it will be too hard to fly.

References

• NASA: What is Thrust
• Hooked on RC Airplane: RC Propellers