Fantasy Features

[Aros]

I was thinking about what the next generation of our foam models might come equipped with somewhere in the future. So consider this a wish list more than anything for fun. I will start with a hypothetical bullet list of features...What do you think? What does yours look like?

Features:

• NEW! Revolutionary "Quick Connect" servos and electric retracts! No more digging out and re-installing servo leads throughout your model to replace a faulty unit. Simply select the quick release button to remove or "snap" into place to install.
• NEW! Fully detailed scale plastic cockpit! No more foam cockpits that are prone to gatoring in the sun. The cockpit is entirely made of plastic with outstanding scale detail. No 3DPup aftermarket parts required.
• NEW! Highly detailed scale pilot. These molds are extremely detailed and painted. No need to hunt for the perfect scale aftermarket pilot. He's already in place! (Servo-activated head optional as an upgrade)
• NEW! "Virtually Unbreakable" Struts and Retracts! These new struts and retracts can withstand the forces of even some of the worst landings and accidents. The metals used can take abuses never before seen in the hobby without any damage.
• NEW! Our Patented "LiPoPLUS" technology has improved flight times tenfold from old tech LiPos without added size or weight. What used to be 3 minutes of flight time is now 10+ minutes!
• NEW! XTP Foam has removed any sign of cell structure. The surface appears as smooth as plastic, resists heat damage with no texture visible to the eye. Accepts any paint including lacquer!

Okay enough fantasy land for now, what about you?

[Twowingtj]

That's a great list to start with! How about:

One piece scale props that are dynamically balanced at the factory.

EDF fan and motor combos with increased thrust to weight ratio and better power consumption efficiency.

Foam composit hybrid for better durability from hanger rash and general handling.

[Aros]

Great stuff! Hard to argue with any of those!

[Dirty Dee]

Struts with oil dampening on models with 8lbs AUW and higher.

Retracts that don't develop play after multiple flights.

[F106DeltaDart]

Airplanes:
Super scale retracts that are designed specifically to be integrated into each airframe
Scale diameter variable pitch props each shaped appropriately for each aircraft type
HD zero-lag FPV twin cameras - compatible with VR headsets

Helis:
Scale Rotor head designs for each helicopter type: Fully articulated heads with lead-lag dampers and all for CH-53s, teetered flybar systems for Hueys and Bell 47s, semi-rigid heads for AH-1Zs and 407s, ect.
Functioning fittings for lubricating bearings without disassembling components.
Oil filled scale size main rotor gearboxes with chip detectors connected through telemetry

All:
Smoke and sound system that accurately captures the sight and sound of engine starts for both turbines and pistons

[Aros]

[fhhuber]

The improved LiPos may be the easiest.

There are experiments in that direction already.

[mr.frankenjet]

for sure better lipos for edf and foam that has a tough skin, add connectors near the retract and they are easier to swap ( just started with this one) big bombers multi engine with bomb drop, crazy scale etc

[fhhuber]

The skin on the foam is possible, but is likely to be expensive. Its a multistage process instead of just injecting foam beads and expanding them in the mold.

https://coolerwarehouse.com/how-are-molded-foam-coolers-made/

Similar process for EPO as for EPS

Foam in a shell coolers prove you can do the shell.

[Marco Polo]

I read in the news yesterday that a Silicon Valley company named Sila Nanotech has made significant advances in battery capacity using Silicon anodes instead of Graphite/Carbon. They claim 40% more capacity in the same size battery. The article mentioned Sila is going to focus on consumer electronics (small size devices) first and them move to larger batteries for electric vehicles. Not sure when we would see the technology utilized in RC battery packs, but 40% would be a significant improvement.

[fhhuber]

That might be the "glass electrolyte" experiments I heard of.

We would probably do the same as when LiPo first cam out and all that was available were cell phne batteries.

this is where the standard nomenclature of XSYP (3S1P is now common and people ignore the P) indicating a pack made of cells in series and parallel.
We at one time had to go with parallel cells to go above 500 mah.