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Choosing the right servo (part 2) : focus on servos for RC gliders

6917 Views 176 Liked Posted on: 25/06/2024
 

Servos are essential components in RC model aircraft, as they control the movement of various parts such as ailerons, elevators and rudders.

Choosing the right servo is crucial for optimum performance and reliability of your radio-controlled glider.

This (non-exhaustive) article will guide you through the different types of RC servos, their specific applications, and how to choose the right servo for your glider or motorglider.

Enjoy your reading!

For small and medium-sized RC gliders, we recommend using mini or micro servos. For larger gliders, standard servo sizes (40x20) can be used. Finding the right compromise between weight, size, torque and speed is crucial to optimizing the glider's flight performance and handling. By choosing lightweight, high-performance servos, you can guarantee precise, smooth responses, while maintaining the desired flight characteristics of your glider. If your glider is large, you may want to consider standard servos with higher torque and speed. 

Some key points to consider when choosing servos for your RC glider

Dimensional compatibility: Make sure the servos you choose physically fit into the space available in the glider without requiring major modifications.

Total weight: Using lightweight servos helps maintain an optimum center of gravity and improves the glider's flying performance.

Power supply: Check that your power system can supply the voltage and current required for the selected servos.

Accuracy and reliability: Choose quality servos renowned for their accuracy and reliability, especially for critical control surfaces such as flaperons and ailerons.

Servo selection chart for gliders

This table is an indication only, as other combinations may perform well on your model (depending on material, model, equipment and use).

Glider's span

Recommended servo type

Control surface

Weight (g)

Torque (kg/cm)

Speed (sec/60°)

Servos examples

<1,5m

Micro or Mini

Lightweight, sufficient torque for small control surfaces.

Flaperons, Rudder and Elevator, Ailerons

8 - 20g

1 - 2,5

0,10 - 0,15

(from 0.08s for flaperons and ailerons)

Hitec HS-65HB+

Futaba S3114

KST X08H (ideal for F3K with vertical fasteners)

KST X06 (ideal for F3K or small control surfaces)

1,5m - 2,5m

Mini or Standard

More torque than micro servos, but still relatively light.

Flaperons, Rudder and Elevator, Ailerons

20 - 40g

2 - 4

0,12 - 0,18

(from 0.10s for flaperons and ailerons)

Hitec HS-82MG

Futaba S-U300

KST HS08A (ideal F5J & F5L)

> 2,5m

Standard

Greater torque to control large control surfaces, increased durability and reliability.

Flaperons, Rudder and Elevator, Ailerons

40 - 60g

4 - 6

0,15 - 0,20

(from 0.12s for flaperons and ailerons)

Hitec HS-422

Futaba S-U400

KST X10 (ideal for gliders over 3m with their horizontal fasteners, they fit perfectly into the wings)

Introducing the leading brands of servos for RC gliders

MKS : high-end, high-performance servos

KST : high-quality servos at affordable prices

FUTABA : high-quality servos at affordable prices

HITEC : Versatile, well-known brand offering all types of servo.

Blue Bird : Entry level and affordable price

FIND YOUR SERVO using our filters

To easily find the right servo for your model:

1. go to the SERVO category (click here)

2. use our filters: brand, weight, size, speed, torque, technology, HV or not, bearings or not. 

 
Posted in: Equip yourself well

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