Diesels possess several advantages. Generally speaking, diesel have more torque for a given engine capacity (all things taken normal), thus the ability to swing a bigger prop. And the torque curve is such that the max output occurs at more usable revs. The power output of glow engines (especially two stroke engines) may appear more impressive but one can only get these outputs only at revs and prop sizes that would be impractical for most general modeling applications eg. sport flying.
The ability to vary cylinder compression also allows the engines performance to be tailored for a wider range of prop sizes depending on the intended purpose eg. bigger props (more thrust and slower speeds) for scale or smaller props for less thrust and more speed for aerobatic flying.
Diesels are generally more economical on fuel consumption. Diesel engines designed for control line team racing give out incredible power output while sipping fuel like a miser. They can go at 2 secs or less per lap for over 30 laps on just 7 cc of fuel. Try that with a glow engine of the same size and you'll be lucky to get 5 laps at that speed.
They were also more reliable (varies from model to model though) and good diesel engines once properly set up, could be counted on reliably to be restarted hot with a single flick or two.
Someone said earlier that diesels cannot be throttled. It can and there are many diesels that are sold fitted with rc throttles eg. PAW, MVVS etc.
Just my two cents worth.
The ability to vary cylinder compression also allows the engines performance to be tailored for a wider range of prop sizes depending on the intended purpose eg. bigger props (more thrust and slower speeds) for scale or smaller props for less thrust and more speed for aerobatic flying.
Diesels are generally more economical on fuel consumption. Diesel engines designed for control line team racing give out incredible power output while sipping fuel like a miser. They can go at 2 secs or less per lap for over 30 laps on just 7 cc of fuel. Try that with a glow engine of the same size and you'll be lucky to get 5 laps at that speed.
They were also more reliable (varies from model to model though) and good diesel engines once properly set up, could be counted on reliably to be restarted hot with a single flick or two.
Someone said earlier that diesels cannot be throttled. It can and there are many diesels that are sold fitted with rc throttles eg. PAW, MVVS etc.
Just my two cents worth.
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