What if? XLPower 550 with 12 cells
Custom XLPower 550 kit from Italy

Italian distributor, XLPower Helicopter Italy offers a custom configuration of 550 with 12 cell battery configuration. Yes, instead of 6 cells, this helicopter is possible with 12 cells.

The original XLPower 550 comes in 6 cell configuration as (almost) all helicopters in this class. So why is it good to go up to 12 cells?

Benefits of 12 cells

It is known: electric power is the product of voltage multiplied by current. When higher voltage is used, lower current is enough for the same output power. That's why the load on the ESC can be lower in the same manoeuvres, or stronger manoeuvres can happen at the same load. Basically more cells are better than less. But this is not that simple, so let's move on, there are many other benefits of having 12 cells, but it is also more complicated.

Concerns

Technically possible, there are components available for this configuration, BECs and ESCs support with 6-12 cells in this size usually, motor is a little bit more problematic, but the biggest problem is how the batteries can fit in? Fortunately 550 has got enough room in its frame even for 12 cells. We tested quickly, and two bigger size 6 cell batteries got in. There is an extra problem in our test machine: the Futaba receiver at the end of the frame, but batteries can still fit in even so, although the CG moved towards the nose a lot, so this would not an ideal place for a Futaba receiver anymore with 12 cells.

At the end of the battery: there is the Futaba receiver

However if the receiver wasn't there, the second battery would go under the mainshaft right in the middle exactly, so CG wouldn't be affected. So that's why two short format 6 cell packs got in and voilá: CG wasn't affected at all.

Short format batteries can fit in even so. CG is perfect.

Weight differences

Two packs are heavier than one, however smaller capaity is enough with 12 cells, so the weight is not bouble, the helicopter is about 150-250 gramms heavier depending on the battery type. Not that much in this class. Especially because the configuration offered by XLPower Helicopter Italy has got an extra powerful 4kW(!) Egodrift motor.