Ever looked at your box of drone parts and wondered, “Will I really be able to fly this?” Building a VTOL tri-copter is exciting, but once you start picking out motors, props, and batteries, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. If your setup weighs around 950g, uses 2207 1800kv motors, 35A ESCs, HQProp 5-inch props, and a 1500mAh LiPo battery—let’s see what you can expect for lift and flight time before taking to the skies.

Can Your VTOL Tri-Copter Fly With This Setup?

Let’s break it down. For your build:

• Motors: iFlight XING-E Pro 2207 1800kv
• ESCs: Skystars Uranus 35A BLHeli_32
• Props: HQProp 5×4.3×3 V2S Durable
• Battery: 1500mAh LiPo
• Total Weight: ~950g
• Wingspan: 600mm

The big question: Is this enough for safe flight? The short answer is yes—your parts should let your tri-copter fly. The iFlight XING-E Pro motors offer plenty of thrust for drones in the 5-inch prop range. Typically, each of these motors on a tri-copter can produce around 1–1.2kg of thrust with the right props on a 4S battery. That means your total thrust is about three times your drone’s weight—an ideal margin for stable and responsive flying.

How Long Will It Stay Airborne?

Flight time is where things get interesting. A lot depends on how you fly—hovering burns less power than aggressive maneuvers or fast climbs. Let’s do some basic math.

– Average current draw: For a tri-copter this size and weight, expect an average draw of about 25-30A in regular flight.
– Battery capacity: A fully charged 1500mAh (1.5Ah) LiPo delivers about 1.5 amps for one hour, but at higher currents, actual usable capacity drops.
– Estimated flight time: At a typical draw of 25A, you’d get:
– Flight time = Battery capacity ÷ Current draw = 1.5Ah ÷ 25A ≈ 3.6 minutes

In real-world use, it’s smart not to drain your LiPo below about 20% to protect its lifespan. So, you’ll probably see safe flight times of about 2.5–3 minutes per battery.

What Could Affect Your Flight?

Several factors could tweak your results. Here are a few common issues that impact whether you can really “fly this”:

• Weight creep: If your final weight is higher than planned (with camera, wiring, or landing gear), you’ll lose some efficiency.
• Prop size and pitch: Higher pitch or larger props can pull more current and reduce flight time.
• Battery health: Old or overworked batteries deliver less power and cut flights short.
• Flying style: Gentle hovering lasts longer than full-throttle acrobatics.
• Weather conditions: Windy days force your motors to work harder.

If you want more time in the air, consider a higher-capacity battery (like a 2200mAh LiPo), but keep an eye on total weight so you don’t overload your motors.

A Real-World Build Story

Back when a friend built his first custom tri-copter, he had a setup almost identical to yours—5-inch props, similar motors, and a slightly heavier frame. On his maiden flight, he clocked just under three minutes of stable hover on a fresh 1500mAh pack. After upgrading to a slightly larger battery (but still keeping weight under control), he pushed beyond four minutes per flight. The biggest lesson? Small changes in weight and efficiency make a big difference in how long you’re airborne.

Tips for Maximizing Your Flight Time

• Keep the total weight as low as possible—every gram counts.
• Use well-balanced, quality props to avoid wobble and wasted energy.
• Monitor your battery voltage with an onboard buzzer or telemetry.
• If possible, test hover before going for long flights to check efficiency.
• Consider a higher-capacity battery only if your motors can handle the extra weight.

Final Thoughts: Ready for Takeoff?

With your current parts and a careful build, you should be able to fly this VTOL tri-copter without trouble—expecting short but punchy flight sessions. If flight time feels too short, try optimizing your setup or upgrading your battery (within reason). What’s the next tweak or upgrade you’re planning for your tri-copter? Share your ideas below!