DIY Maker Builds Fast RC Plane Using Salvaged PC Air Duster Motors
A hobbyist constructed a 21-inch remote-control aircraft powered by twin brushless motors extracted from computer cleaning devices, achieving unexpectedly high speeds at 130,000 RPM.
An electronics enthusiast and DIY maker surprised themselves with the performance of a model aircraft they assembled using a pair of motors harvested from PC air dusters. The A10 Warthog-inspired craft, featuring a 21-inch wingspan, demonstrated flight characteristics that exceeded expectations. "Much faster than I had anticipated," remarked RCMakerLab in a video documenting the project. The build showcases brushless motors like the Wolfbox MF60, rated at 110,000 RPM and currently discounted to $31.99 on Amazon.
The creator's video was prompted by viewer requests following earlier experiments with motors extracted from air duster devices. Rather than merely speculating about the thrust potential of these compact jet-like engines, RCMakerLab decided to construct a functional aircraft to test them in practice.
The ten-minute video dedicates approximately eight minutes to the construction process. The airframe employs folded Styrofoam sheets secured with hot glue for the wings, with motorized flap controls managing wing movement. The dual air blower motors are installed around the eight-minute mark, with the actual takeoff sequence beginning at 9 minutes 20 seconds, revealing rapid acceleration and impressive maneuverability.
Aircraft Specifications
- 54cm (approximately 21-inch) wing span
- 42.5cm (approximately 17-inch) length
- 368g (approximately 0.8 pounds) flight weight
- Twin air duster motors
- 20A Brushless ESC
- 5g Micro Servos
- Flysky iA6 Radio Control
- FS2A Micro Receiver
- 1,300mAh battery
- Estimated flight time between 3 and 4 minutes
Rechargeable handheld air dusters occupy a practical middle ground for PC enthusiasts, positioned between disposable canned air and full workshop compressors. RCMakerLab's component list specifies unbranded AliExpress blowers rated at 130,000 RPM, priced at $23 each. Comparable alternatives are available on Amazon at even lower cost.
The video concludes with RCMakerLab teasing plans for a follow-up project: a "much larger high-wing model." The maker solicits viewer feedback in the comments section, asking "Should I go for it?" regarding the next iteration.