What happened to that mosquito snarl that always seemed to accompany the sight of model airplanes? The answer is they're going electric and silent. Li-Po (Lithium Polymer or Li-Poly) batteries are rapidly becoming the standard power source for electric model airplanes. Li-Po batteries are smaller, lighter and hold more power than their predecessors (Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride). There are three specifications that need to be taken into consideration when making a Li-Po battery purchase for your electric model airplane.

The voltage of the battery will tell you how powerful it is, the amperage rating will give you an idea how long it will last, and the burst/constant power rating will tell you how quickly the power will discharge. A major difference between Li-Po batteries and others available for RC model airplane use is that it is much easier to mistreat the battery thereby creating unsafe situations the consequences oc which can be dramatic. Li-Po batteries can be very dangerous if you don