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Free tool · quad, plane, VTOL

Flight time calculator

Estimate endurance and range from weight, props and battery. Works for multirotors, fixed-wing planes and quadplane VTOLs.

Aircraft type
Weight & battery
Lift props
Cruise
Results also update as you type.
Flight time—

Estimates use momentum theory for props (figure of merit 0.6) and 80 % motor-ESC efficiency. Real numbers depend on your motors and wind.

FAQ

Questions

How long will my quadcopter fly?

Enter its flying weight, props and battery. The tool works out hover power from the prop size and gives hover time and a realistic flight time for your flying style.

How is fixed-wing flight time worked out?

Cruise power = weight × speed ÷ glide ratio, divided by prop and motor efficiency. Usable battery energy divided by that power gives endurance.

How does the VTOL calculator work?

It takes hover power for take-off and landing out of the battery first, then uses the rest for cruise. It also warns you if hover current is too high for Li-ion cells.