Backwoods R/C's Since 2001

LiPo batteries (short for Lithium Polymer) are a type of rechargeable battery that has taken the electric RC world by storm, especially for planes and helicopters. They are the main reason electric flight is now a very viable option over fuel powered models.

RC LiPo batteries have three main things going for them that make them the perfect battery choice for RC planes and even more so for RC helicopters over conventional rechargeable battery types such as NiCad, or NiMH.

RC LiPo batteries are light weight and can be made in almost any shape and size. RC LiPo batteries have large capacities, meaning they hold lots of power in a small package.RC LiPo batteries have high discharge rates to power the most demanding electric motors.In short, LiPo’s provide high energy storage to weight ratios in an endless variety of shapes and sizes.

These benefits are important in any RC model, but for airplanes and helicopters they are the reason electric flight has become so popular. Face it, electric cars and boats have been around for decades, it wasn’t till LiPo battery technology arrived on the scene, that electric planes and helicopters started showing up and are rivalling nitro power in terms of performance.

There are a few down sides with RC LiPo batteries however; once again proving there is no perfect solution.

RC LiPo batteries are still expensive compared to NiCad and NiMH, but coming down in price all the time.Although getting better, RC LiPo’s don’t last that long, perhaps only 300-400 charge cycles (much less if not cared for properly). That said, I have heard some people getting over 1000 cycles if all the rules are followed.Safety issues - because of the volatile electrolyte used in LiPo’s, they can catch fire or explode.RC LiPo batteries require unique and proper care if they are going to last for any length of time more so than any other battery technology. Charging, discharging, and storage all affect the lifespan – get it wrong and a LiPo is garbage in as little as one mistake.