Battery safety
By Jay Smith
Batteries have been around since the 1800s and the technology has greatly evolved. Italian physicist Alessandro Volta is widely considered to have created the first modern-day battery: the voltaic pile. In recognition of Alessandro Volta’s contributions to electrical science, the unit of electric potential is called the volt.
Since that time, the technology has greatly evolved and these advancements are being put to good use in the hobby. Modelers now have batteries capable of providing more power, while becoming smaller and lighter. Lithium Polymer batteries, also referred to as LiPo batteries, are the most common ones used for today’s electric-powered model aircraft. The LiPo battery, along with advancements in motors and speed controls, has made micro models as well as Giant Scale aircraft a reality for electric flight.
Although LiPo technology was developed and put into production more than a decade ago, many still have questions about its safe use. The saying, “With great power comes great responsibility,” certainly rings true. I think the responsibility part involves having a good understanding of the technology that will help ensure its safe use in our hobby.
Beginning with this issue, Model Aviation will run a series of feature articles dedicated to LiPo battery safety. This series will cover the safe use, transport, storage, and disposal of these types of batteries. If you have any questions about this technology that you would like to see answered in the pages of Model Aviation, email me at jays@modelaircraft.org.
Miles M.20
Since the March 2015 issue, the monthly “MA Construction Series,” written by Paul Kohlmann, has provided readers with insight on the tools and techniques needed to build a model aircraft either from scratch or from a kit.
I’m excited to share with you that this month’s installment includes free plans for Paul’s Miles M.20, which can be downloaded from our website. Readers are encouraged to download the plans and follow along, building their own model as Paul touches on its construction in this issue and the next three issues. For those who don’t want to cut their own parts, a short kit of this model can be purchased through Manzano Laser Works.
After you complete your model, please email me a photo or upload it our website on the page with the free plans. All of the photos will be featured in a future issue of Model Aviation.
Happy building!
