Kiwi

Description: A 3-ounce RC plane that uses off-the-shelf equipment

Designed by Bob Aberle, the Kiwi is a proof-of-concept created to determine whether a 3-ounce RC model could be built using conventional RC equipment and a conventional motor. The key to success of this concept was the recent introduction of light li-poly batteries.
Additional Information:

• Model: Kiwi
  
• Designer: Bob Aberle
  
• Type: calm-wind backyard or indoor flyer
  
• Wingspan: 24 in.
  
• Length: 20 in.
  
• Wing Area: 100 sq. in.
  
• Weight: 3.4 oz.
  
• Wing Loading: 4.9 oz./sq. ft.
  
• Drive System: MTM Intl. Colibri S-050 (DC 5-2.4 coreless) with Maxon planetary 4:1 gearbox; Gunther 5×4 prop; Castle Creations Pixie 7P ESC
  
• Motor Current: 700mA (at start)
  
• Motor Power: 5.2 watts (at start)
  
• Rpm: 5,300 (at start)
  
• Watts/oz.: 1.53
  
• Battery: 2-cell, FMA Direct/Kokam 145mAh li-poly
  
• Radio used: FMA M5 receiver, two FMA S-60 microservos, E-Cubed R/C short antenna (no. M-72-U), FMA T-80 RF FM transmitter
  
• Flight duration: 7 to 9 min. with stated battery and some throttling back during flight