Overview
The Hobbywing Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV brushless outrunner motor represents the first generation of Hobbywing's acclaimed Skywalker motor series, bringing RC hobby pilots with fixed-wing models a revolutionary flying experience. Whether you're building a new RC aeroplane or upgrading an existing platform, this 1400KV motor delivers the performance and reliability that serious RC aircraft enthusiasts demand. Engineered as the ideal complement to the Skywalker ESC range, this motor achieves approximately 10% more output power than comparable motors with similar specifications, giving you a genuine performance advantage that translates directly to improved flight characteristics and better responsiveness in the air.
This brushless RC motor has been specifically optimised for fixed-wing aircraft applications, with engineering that prioritises smooth operation, reduced vibration and exceptional heat management. The Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV is a sensorless brushless motor designed for 3-4S LiPo batteries, making it compatible with most modern RC aeroplane power systems available in the UK market today. With a maximum continuous power output of 618W over 135 seconds and a maximum continuous current rating of 42A, this motor delivers the sustained performance needed for extended flights without overheating or performance degradation.
Built with premium materials and precision engineering throughout, the Skywalker series motors represent exceptional value for RC pilots seeking reliability and performance. The motor's sophisticated rotor design, combined with advanced stator construction and high-temperature resistant components, ensures years of dependable service whether you're a casual weekend flyer or a dedicated RC aeroplane enthusiast in the UK.
Key Features
- High-Performance Output Power — This 1400KV motor delivers approximately 10% more output power than competing motors with equivalent specifications, giving your RC aeroplane noticeably better acceleration, climb performance and overall responsiveness that makes a genuine difference in the air.
- Special Propeller Attachment Design — The motor features a uniquely engineered propeller mounting system that ensures overall higher torque delivery and more efficient power transfer to the airscrew, resulting in improved thrust characteristics and better flight performance across the entire speed range.
- N48 Magnetic Arc Technology — Equipped with premium N48 strong magnetic arc magnets, this motor maximises torque output to deliver powerful, responsive acceleration and sustained performance throughout your flight, whether you're performing aerobatic manoeuvres or cruising at altitude.
- Excellent Heat Dissipation Engineering — The motor incorporates a generous hollow cavity design combined with a self-draining structure on the top cover, significantly increasing cooling performance and heat dissipation capability. This sophisticated thermal management ensures the motor remains cool even during extended flights, preventing performance loss and extending motor lifespan considerably.
- Premium JNEH1200 Silicon Steel Construction — The motor utilises top-branded JNEH1200 silicon steel sheets measuring just 0.2mm thick, providing substantially lower iron loss and improved electrical efficiency compared to conventional steel laminations. This premium material choice directly translates to better power delivery and reduced heat generation.
- High-Temperature Resistant Enamelled Wire — The stator coils are wound with 180°C high-temperature resistant enamelled wire, significantly enhancing the motor's temperature tolerance and allowing sustained high-power operation without thermal stress or performance degradation.
- Optimised Rotor Design — The rotor has been engineered using excellent production and assembly dynamic balance technology with high-quality bearings and high-precision CNC machining, resulting in extremely low dynamic balance of the rotor assembly. This reduces motor vibration substantially and ensures noticeably smoother operation throughout the entire power range.
- Multi-Anti-Loosening Rotor Security — The rotor incorporates advanced anti-loosening design with copper pads, retainer springs, bushings and set screws securing the rotor shaft. This multi-point securing system dramatically improves reliability and prevents any risk of rotor slippage or mechanical failure during flight.
- Soft Silicone Wire Outlet — Unlike traditional rigid wire outlets, this motor features a soft silicone wire outlet that is considerably easier to route through your aircraft structure, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of wire damage during setup.
- 18AWG Premium Silicone Cable — The motor comes supplied with 18AWG gauge silicone-insulated power cables measuring 100mm in length, providing excellent current handling and durability whilst remaining flexible for easy aircraft integration.
Technical Performance
The Hobbywing Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV motor delivers outstanding technical performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for serious RC aeroplane pilots. Running at 1400KV (revolutions per volt), this motor spins at approximately 1,400 RPM per applied volt, making it ideal for medium-speed to high-speed fixed-wing applications with appropriately sized propellers. The motor's no-load current specification of 2.3A at 14.8V ensures efficient power consumption and minimal unnecessary drain on your LiPo battery pack. With an internal resistance of just 28.4 milliohms, the motor demonstrates excellent electrical characteristics and minimal power loss through the windings, resulting in superior efficiency and cooler running temperatures.
Physically, the Skywalker 2316SL measures 28.8mm in diameter with a total length of 50mm, making it a compact yet powerful motor suitable for a wide range of fixed-wing aircraft designs. The 4mm shaft diameter ensures compatibility with standard RC aeroplane propeller adapters and direct-drive mounting systems available in the UK market. Weighing just 79 grams, the motor's lightweight construction is advantageous for aircraft weight budgets and contributes to improved flight performance. The motor utilises high-quality 684ZZ ball bearings (D9 x d4 x 4mm) that provide smooth, reliable rotation with minimal friction across thousands of flight hours. The 12N14P configuration (12 stator slots and 14 magnetic poles) represents an optimal balance of torque delivery, efficiency and smooth power characteristics.
For battery compatibility, the Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV is rated for 3-4S LiPo packs at 14.8V nominal voltage. The maximum continuous current rating of 42A over 135 seconds, combined with maximum continuous power of 618W over the same duration, indicates this motor is designed for sustained aerobatic and high-performance applications rather than brief peak power demands. The recommended ESC pairing is the Skywalker V2 40A-50A controller, which provides perfect impedance matching and ensures optimal power delivery. Recommended propeller combinations include 7x6E or 8x6E designs for 3S LiPo operation, or 7x5E and 8x4E designs for 4S LiPo systems, providing flexibility for different aircraft configurations and performance preferences.
What's in the Box
- 1 x Hobbywing Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV brushless outrunner motor (black finish)
- 1 x User manual with detailed installation and tuning guidance
What You Need to Complete
- Compatible ESC (Skywalker V2 40A-50A recommended) to control the motor
- 3-4S LiPo battery pack (3000-5000mAh typical for RC aeroplanes)
- Suitable propeller (7x6E, 8x6E for 3S or 7x5E, 8x4E for 4S)
- Motor mounting brackets or adapter suitable for your aircraft platform
- RC aeroplane airframe with compatible motor mounting system
- Radio receiver compatible with your transmitter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hobbywing Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV motor suitable for beginners? — This motor is primarily designed for intermediate to advanced RC aeroplane pilots with experience in fixed-wing aircraft construction and operation. Whilst the motor itself is straightforward to install and operate, selecting the correct propeller size and ESC pairing requires some technical knowledge. Beginners should consider seeking advice from experienced RC pilots or contacting RC Model Shop before purchasing.
- What battery does the Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV need? — This motor is rated for 3-4S LiPo batteries at 14.8V nominal voltage. A typical setup would use a 3000-5000mAh capacity LiPo pack depending on your aircraft size and flight time requirements. Always use a quality balanced LiPo charger and ensure your battery pack is in good condition before each flight. Never use NiMH or NiCd batteries with this motor.
- What is the difference between the 1400KV Skywalker and other KV ratings in the range? — The KV rating determines motor RPM relative to voltage applied. The 980KV version (HW30415050) spins slower and produces more torque, suitable for larger propellers and lower-speed aircraft. The 1250KV version (HW30415051) offers a middle ground, whilst the 1400KV variant spins faster, requiring smaller, faster-turning propellers and delivering higher speed performance. Choose your KV rating based on your aircraft design, desired speed profile and propeller specifications.
- Can I use the Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV with a 2S LiPo battery? — No, this motor is specifically rated for 3-4S LiPo batteries only. Operating with a 2S battery would result in inadequate power delivery and prevent the motor from reaching proper performance levels. Using an unsupported battery configuration could potentially damage the motor and void any warranty coverage.
- What propeller sizes work with this 1400KV motor? — For 3S LiPo operation, Hobbywing recommends 7x6E or 8x6E propellers. For 4S LiPo operation, use 7x5E or 8x4E propellers. These recommendations ensure optimal power delivery, proper current draw and sustained performance without overheating. Always verify propeller balance and fit before your first flight to ensure smooth, vibration-free operation.
- Is this motor waterproof or weather-resistant? — The Skywalker 2316SL is designed as an outrunner motor for fixed-wing aeroplanes and is not specifically waterproofed or rated for water submersion. However, the sealed bearing design and quality enamelled wire provide good protection against moisture splash and light precipitation. Avoid exposing the motor to heavy rain or water immersion, and dry the motor thoroughly after any inadvertent water exposure.
- How long will this motor last with proper care? — The Skywalker 2316SL is engineered for long service life with quality ball bearings, precision CNC construction and advanced anti-loosening design. With proper maintenance including regular inspection of the propeller, shaft and bearings, and avoiding mechanical impacts or water damage, this motor should provide several years of reliable service across hundreds of flights.
- Why is this motor 10% more powerful than competing designs? — Hobbywing achieves superior power output through several engineering advantages: premium N48 magnetic materials provide stronger magnetic fields, the 0.2mm silicon steel laminations reduce iron losses, the optimised 12N14P slot-pole configuration delivers better torque characteristics, and the precision manufacturing tolerances ensure maximum efficiency. These combined factors result in genuine performance advantages you can feel in your aircraft's responsiveness and power delivery.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the HOBBYWING SKYWALKER 2316SL 1400KV BLK G1 OUTRUNNER MOTOR HW30415052 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Motor Type: Brushless DC Outrunner
- Motor Class: Sensorless
- Motor Size: 2316SL
- KV Rating: 1400KV
- Slot and Pole Configuration: 12N14P (12 stator slots, 14 magnetic poles)
- Diameter: 28.8mm
- Length: 50mm
- Weight: 79g
- Shaft Diameter: 4mm
- No-Load Current: 2.3A at 14.8V
- Internal Resistance: 28.4 milliohms
- Maximum Continuous Current: 42A (135 seconds duration)
- Maximum Continuous Power: 618W (135 seconds duration)
- Recommended Battery: 3-4S LiPo
- Battery Nominal Voltage: 14.8V
- Bearing Type: 684ZZ (D9 x d4 x 4mm)
- Phase Cable Gauge: 18AWG
- Phase Cable Length: 100mm
- Cable Type: Silicone insulated
- Stator Material: JNEH1200 silicon steel sheets, 0.2mm thick
- Magnetic Material: N48 strong magnetic arc magnets
- Enamelled Wire: 180°C high-temperature resistant
- Propeller Mounting: Special high-torque design
- Recommended ESC: Skywalker V2 40A-50A
- Recommended Propellers 3S: 7x6E, 8x6E
- Recommended Propellers 4S: 7x5E, 8x4E
- Propeller Mounting Hole Diameter: 12mm with 3x M2.5 threads
- Motor Mounting Base Threads: 16mm with 2x M3 threads, or 19mm with 2x M3 threads
- Rotor Anti-Loosening Features: Copper pad, retaining ring, bushing, set screw
- Dynamic Balance Technology: High-quality bearing and high-precision CNC machining
- Cooling System: Large hollow cavity with self-draining top cover structure
- Wire Outlet Type: Soft silicone wire outlet
- What's Included: 1x Skywalker 2316SL 1400KV motor, 1x user manual
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