LiPo Battery Packs

Cells of lithium polymer, more commonly referred to as “LiPo,” are one of the hobby developments that drastically changed how we flew electric-powered RC airplanes. Even though there were a lot of concerns in the beginning regarding cell life and safety, LiPos eventually replaced the standard rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Extensive research in the 1980s led to lithium-based cells, which were first used in the personal electronics industry. In 1991, Sony was the first company to introduce commercial cylindrical lithiumion (Li-Ion) cells. LiPos quickly followed the development of Li-Ion and other lithiummetal-based battery cells.

As these new batteries came onto the consumer market, powering laptop PCs, cell phones, and other personal electronics, modelers quickly started salvaging the new batteries for use in micro and lightweight indoor RC models. Being much lighter than rechargeable Ni-Cds and having much better power-toweight figures, it wasn’t long before hobby companies noticed the advantages LiPo batteries had to offer.

Of course, having LiPo batteries also meant that modelers were in need of newer, specialized chargers to take care of the new types of batteries. In the late 1990s, Magellan Technologies was one of the first companies to offer an easy-touse charger. Today, there is an endless supply of LiPo brands offering packs in all capacities, voltage levels, and cell counts.