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RC Plane Speed Calculator

Professional Speed Calculator for RC Electric & Glow Plane Models

Our advanced RC plane speed calculator helps pilots and aviation enthusiasts accurately predict airspeed, ground speed, and performance metrics for both electric and glow-powered RC aircraft. This comprehensive tool provides reliable estimates whether you're calculating scale speed for realism or maximum velocity for competition.

Key Features and Applications:
  • Accurate airspeed calculation - For performance tuning of all RC aircraft types
  • Stall speed determination - Calculate minimum safe flying speeds
  • Propeller efficiency analysis - Optimize prop selection for desired speed
  • Precision scale speed conversion - Achieve realistic flight performance
  • Power system selection - Match motors and batteries to flight requirements
  • Professional algorithms - Used by competitive pilots for accurate predictions
  • Instant results - Advanced calculations with real-time updates

Our calculator references actual data from top RC aircraft, providing you with speed predictions closest to real-world scenarios. Whether for casual flying or professional competitions, it helps you find the optimal power configuration and propeller setup.

"Understanding aircraft speed calculation is essential for safe and efficient flight operations. This calculator provides the precision needed for professional aviation."
- Professional RC Pilot

RC Plane Speed Calculator Tool

Use our calculator to determine your aircraft's top speed, stall speed, and prop speed based on motor specifications, propeller data, and aircraft characteristics. Learn how to calculate speed with precision.

Electric RC Plane Speed Calculator

💡 How to find these parameters?

Estimated Top Speed:

0 MPH / 0 Km/h

How to Calculate RC Plane Speed? - Complete Guide

RC Electric Plane Speed Calculation Examples

Learning how to calculate aircraft speed involves several key factors that determine your aircraft's performance. Our calculator simplifies this process by considering motor specifications, propeller data, and aircraft characteristics:

Plane Type Motor KV Voltage Prop Size Weight Wing Area Top Speed
Park Flyer 1400 11.1V (3S) 9×6 2.1 lbs 1.8 sq ft 58 MPH
Sport Plane 1000 11.1V (3S) 10×7 3.5 lbs 2.5 sq ft 65 MPH
Warbird 800 22.2V (6S) 12×8 5.2 lbs 3.2 sq ft 72 MPH
3D Aerobatic 1200 14.8V (4S) 9×6 2.8 lbs 2.1 sq ft 78 MPH
Scale Jet 600 29.6V (8S) 14×10 7.8 lbs 4.5 sq ft 85 MPH

RC Plane Speed Chart Table


RC Electric Plane Speed Calculation Formula:

Motor RPM = Motor KV × Battery Voltage

Prop Speed = Motor RPM × Propeller Pitch (inches) × 0.000947

Thrust = (Prop Diameter² × Prop Pitch × Air Density × RPM²) / 1000000

Top Speed = √(2 × Thrust / (Air Density × Wing Area × Drag Coefficient))

Stall Speed Calculation: Stall Speed = √(2 × Weight / (Air Density × Wing Area × Max Lift Coefficient))


Example 1: 1000KV Motor with 3S Battery

  • Motor KV: 1000
  • Battery Voltage: 11.1V (3S)
  • Propeller Diameter: 10 inches
  • Propeller Pitch: 7 inches
  • Aircraft Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Wing Area: 2.5 sq ft

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Motor RPM = 1000 × 11.1 = 11,100 RPM
  2. Prop Speed = 11,100 × 7 × 0.000947 = 73.6 MPH
  3. Thrust = (10² × 7 × 0.002377 × 11,100²) / 1,000,000 = 20.5 lbs
  4. Top Speed = √(2 × 20.5 / (0.002377 × 2.5 × 0.05)) × 0.8 = 65.0 MPH
  5. Speed (Km/h) = 65.0 × 1.609344 = 104.6 Km/h

Result: 65.0 MPH / 104.6 Km/h

Example 2: 800KV Motor with 6S Battery

  • Motor KV: 800
  • Battery Voltage: 22.2V (6S)
  • Propeller Diameter: 12 inches
  • Propeller Pitch: 8 inches
  • Aircraft Weight: 5.2 lbs
  • Wing Area: 3.2 sq ft

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Motor RPM = 800 × 22.2 = 17,760 RPM
  2. Prop Speed = 17,760 × 8 × 0.000947 = 134.6 MPH
  3. Thrust = (12² × 8 × 0.002377 × 17,760²) / 1,000,000 = 68.9 lbs
  4. Top Speed = √(2 × 68.9 / (0.002377 × 3.2 × 0.05)) × 0.8 = 72.0 MPH
  5. Speed (Km/h) = 72.0 × 1.609344 = 115.9 Km/h

Result: 72.0 MPH / 115.9 Km/h


RC Glow Engine Calculation Examples:

Engine Size RPM Prop Size Weight Estimated Speed
.40 cu in 12000 11×7 4.2 lbs 68 MPH
.46 cu in 11500 12×8 5.1 lbs 75 MPH
.60 cu in 11000 13×8 6.8 lbs 82 MPH
.25 cu in 12500 9×6 2.9 lbs 62 MPH
.90 cu in 9500 15×10 9.5 lbs 88 MPH

RC Glow Engine Plane Speed Chart Table


RC Glow Engine Plane Speed Calculation Formula:

Prop Speed = Engine RPM × Propeller Pitch (inches) × 0.000947

Thrust = (Prop Diameter² × Prop Pitch × Air Density × RPM²) / 1000000

Top Speed = √(2 × Thrust / (Air Density × Wing Area × Drag Coefficient))


Detailed Calculation Examples:

Example 1: .46 cu in Engine with 12×8 Prop

  • Engine RPM: 11,500
  • Propeller Pitch: 8 inches
  • Propeller Diameter: 12 inches
  • Aircraft Weight: 5.1 lbs
  • Wing Area: 3.2 sq ft

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Prop Speed = 11,500 × 8 × 0.000947 = 87.1 MPH
  2. Thrust = (12² × 8 × 0.002377 × 11,500²) / 1,000,000 = 3.8 lbs
  3. Top Speed = √(2 × 3.8 / (0.002377 × 3.2 × 0.05)) = 75.2 MPH

Result: 75 MPH

Example 2: .60 cu in Engine with 13×8 Prop

  • Engine RPM: 11,000
  • Propeller Pitch: 8 inches
  • Propeller Diameter: 13 inches
  • Aircraft Weight: 6.8 lbs
  • Wing Area: 4.1 sq ft

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Prop Speed = 11,000 × 8 × 0.000947 = 83.3 MPH
  2. Thrust = (13² × 8 × 0.002377 × 11,000²) / 1,000,000 = 4.2 lbs
  3. Top Speed = √(2 × 4.2 / (0.002377 × 4.1 × 0.05)) = 82.1 MPH

Result: 82 MPH

Example 3: .25 cu in Engine with 9×6 Prop

  • Engine RPM: 12,500
  • Propeller Pitch: 6 inches
  • Propeller Diameter: 9 inches
  • Aircraft Weight: 2.9 lbs
  • Wing Area: 2.0 sq ft

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Prop Speed = 12,500 × 6 × 0.000947 = 71.0 MPH
  2. Thrust = (9² × 6 × 0.002377 × 12,500²) / 1,000,000 = 1.8 lbs
  3. Top Speed = √(2 × 1.8 / (0.002377 × 2.0 × 0.05)) = 61.8 MPH

Result: 62 MPH


How to find these parameters? (Electric RC Plane)

  • Motor KV Rating - Found on motor label or manufacturer specifications. Higher KV = higher RPM per volt
  • Battery Voltage - Check battery pack voltage (3S = 11.1V, 4S = 14.8V, 6S = 22.2V, etc.)
  • Propeller Diameter - Measure across the prop from tip to tip in inches
  • Propeller Pitch - Found on prop label (e.g., "10×7" means 10" diameter, 7" pitch)
  • Aircraft Weight - Weigh your complete aircraft ready to fly (including battery)
  • Wing Area - Calculate: Wing Span × Average Chord, or check manufacturer specs

Tip: If you changed prop size, update both diameter and pitch. Using exact weight (measured) gives the most accurate result.


How to find these parameters? (Glow Engine RC Plane)

  • Engine RPM - Use a tachometer to measure at full throttle with your prop
  • Propeller Diameter - Measure across the prop from tip to tip in inches
  • Propeller Pitch - Found on prop label (e.g., "12×8" means 12" diameter, 8" pitch)
  • Aircraft Weight - Weigh your complete aircraft ready to fly (including fuel)
  • Wing Area - Calculate: Wing Span × Average Chord, or check manufacturer specs

Tip: Real glow performance varies with tune, temperature, altitude and fuel. Measure after a full warm-up for the most representative numbers.


RC Plane Speed Influencing Factors

RC plane speed calculation involves several key factors that determine your aircraft's performance:

Parameter Electric Glow Engine Impact on Speed
Motor KV / Engine RPM Motor KV × Voltage Measured RPM Higher = More Speed
Propeller Diameter Larger = More Thrust Larger = More Thrust Affects Acceleration
Propeller Pitch Higher = More Speed Higher = More Speed Primary Speed Factor
Aircraft Weight Lighter = Better Performance Lighter = Better Performance Affects Climb Rate
Wing Area Larger = More Lift Larger = More Lift Affects Stall Speed

RC Plane Speed Factors Table

Factor Explanations:

  • Motor KV Rating / Engine RPM - Directly affects propeller speed, the fundamental parameter determining aircraft speed
  • Propeller Diameter - Larger diameter = more thrust and better acceleration, but requires more power
  • Propeller Pitch - Higher pitch = more speed but less acceleration, primary factor for top speed
  • Aircraft Weight - Lighter aircraft = better climb rate and acceleration, affects overall performance
  • Wing Area - Larger wing area = more lift and lower stall speed, affects low-speed handling

Pro Tips from Top Pilots:

  • "Understanding aircraft speed calculation starts with propeller selection - higher pitch props provide more speed, lower pitch gives better acceleration." - Professional RC Pilot
  • "Use our calculator to validate manufacturer's recommended prop size, then adjust based on performance goals." - Competition Pilot
  • Higher KV motors (2000+) need smaller props (8-10") to prevent overheating
  • Actual speed is typically 15-20% lower than calculated due to air resistance and prop efficiency
  • For racing, target motor temps of 60-70°C for optimal performance
  • Thrust-to-weight ratio - Aim for at least 1:1 for good vertical performance
  • Always calculate stall speed to determine safe minimum speeds for your aircraft
  • Regular speed calculations help identify performance issues and optimize your setup