Can Wingtip Motors Improve Aircraft Efficiency? RCTestFlight Solar Collaboration Part 1

For an upcoming collaboration with RCTestFlight I am testing out the difference in efficiency between wingtip motors and motors placed mid wing. We also have a little fun with smoke grenades, though test flights don't always go as planned.
Thanks to Sarah Tan for the video edit.
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This article is the one I found most helpful for elucidating the practical applications of wingtip motors: www.researchgate.net/publicat...

[@smartereveryday]

I wonder if the vortex interacting with the props make each individual prop get more lift/propulsion. Worded poorly but I think you know what I'm saying. You're forcing more air on each blade.

[@smartereveryday]

I really enjoyed this thanks for making it.

[@billywoods9192]

This has been done. Ever heard of the flying pancake?

[@mithrandir1313]

Might have been interesting to reverse the rotation direction of the motors and see the implications.

[@cornishcactus]

A one engine out emergency would be interesting, that's why they don't do it unless you're the bell and can run both props from one engine if needed

[@arielwollinger]

seems like you shot your video @29.97 or 30 fps and edited at 24fps, what caused a lot of stuttering. Try editing on the speed of the higher FPS you shot on. That way, your videos will be butter smooth, digital smooth :P

[@VinceSamios]

I think in practical GA use, the risks of differential thrust in the case of an engine out, vastly outweigh any efficiency gains.

[@JosephHarner]

It would be interesting to see a comparison of wingtip motors in a push vs pull configuration.

[@travisSimon365]

Here is what I learned from this video: you have an amazingly understanding, considerate and indulgent wife. Don't forget to cherish her :-)

[@stephenknutson6256]

Just came across your channel. Would be curious to know if your familiar with the Vought flying pancake, which had propellers on the outer edge of the airplane.

[@Skyfighter64]

Being an Aircraft mechanic, I'm going to have to doubt a number of statements made at the beginning of the video. Most specifically, I figure that While electric motors are improving all the time, batteries are still nowhere near being able to replace Gasoline or Kerosene (Jet A) as storage mediums for aviation. The simple fact is, for a given energy capacity, batteries still take much more volume and weight to store. The really nice thing about liquid fuels, especially in aviation is the fact that they get used up. By the midpoint of a flight, on even say a Cessna 172M, the airplane can be as much as 130lbs (approximately) lighter (22 gallons out of a maximum of 46). Batteries leave you dealing with a not insignificant chunk of dead weight once the battery is depleted. This is before you even start considering the impact of potential surprise condition changes during a given flight. When running on battery, your maximum range is directly dependent on the other uses of electricity, and if say you wind up finding a IFR condition by nasty surprise (it happens more than you think), suddenly your range figures could go down below the minimum safes. Liquid fueled engines do not deal with this the same way, since generating electricity through the alternator is generally treated as a byproduct, and range is almost unaffected by the condition of the aircraft's electrical system.

[@suprvideo]

What amazes me is how much work you put into this project. And that your wife comes along to support you. Great photography and narrative.

[@chinookmech]

I'm pretty excited about this channel, I hope you continue to grow.

[@ancientbriton12345]

Check out the development of the Vought V-173. The propellers were arranged to rotate in the opposite direction to the tip vortices, allowing the aircraft to fly with a much smaller wing area, or in your situation should provide greater efficiency

[@flyingrock6381]

Top notch stuff! love the scientific content, innovation and humour. One of the very (very) few channels on my 'must watch' list. Cheers!

[@AV-14]

What a cool concept. I like the way you construct your aircraft too; Looks really professional.

[@ezrarichardson279]

I found it interesting that it increased the efficiency at all. Thanks for the video! Can’t wait for the conclusion of the project!

[@picknikbasket]

Fascinating! I'm going to show my STEM group this because it's such a good lesson, thanks for uploading it!

[@JHarris]

Loved the video. Also I’m sure one of the reasons companies have stayed away from the wingtip engine configuration is with engine failures. It may provide great numbers in efficiency, but the cost of one engine failing means the other engine is basically useless. There would probably be too much yaw the allow the plane to fly straight.

[@leGringoo]

Great work you did there. I’m looking forward to the solar plane!