The 8-inch drone holds unique advantages in the market,striking a balance between payload capacity,endurance,and flight stability,filling the gap between small FPV racing drones and large industrial drones,making it suitable for applications requiring both maneuverability and practicality.
Compared to 5-7 inch racing models,8-inch propellers provide greater lift(though with slightly slower response),while offering better maneuverability and cost-effectiveness than industrial-grade drones.Thus,8-inch models are widely used in aerial photography,long-range inspections,and medium payload tasks,becoming the mainstream choice for professional pilots.
Key points for selecting 8-inch drone motors:
Application Scenarios
Cinematic aerial photography:Requires large-stator motors like 2808/3110 with KV 600-900(8S battery),thrust-to-weight ratio≥2:1,paired with carbon fiber propellers to reduce vibration.
Long-range inspection:Prefer 2806.5 medium-low KV motors(900-1200KV 6S)with thin stators to reduce air resistance,recommended current below 35A for extended endurance.
Mixed use:Recommended compromise solutions like 2809 motors with KV 1000-1300(6S),maintaining 20%power redundancy.
KV/Voltage/Current Matching
Voltage strategy:6S systems recommend 900-1200KV,8S systems 600-900KV,10S requires 500-700KV.
Current management:8-inch propellers require ESCs above 60A,with peak current not exceeding 80%of motor's rated value.
Stator Specifications
Diameter above 28mm ensures heat dissipation area,height 8-10mm balances torque and speed.
In the following content, we will introduce in detail how to choose 8-inch drone motors.
What knowledge is needed when choosing 8-inch drone motors?
1.KV Value
KV value(RPM/V)indicates the theoretical rotational speed per volt under no-load conditions.For example,a 1000 KV motor will theoretically rotate at 1000 RPM when 1 volt is applied.
Performance impact:
High KV motors:Faster speed,smaller torque,suitable for smaller propellers and lighter/faster drones.
Low KV motors:Slower speed,greater torque,suitable for larger propellers and heavier drones.
Relationship with voltage and speed:
Motor RPM is directly related to KV value and applied voltage:RPM=KV×voltage.Note actual flight RPM decreases due to load and air resistance.
For 8-inch drones with larger propellers requiring significant torque for efficient rotation,low KV motors are generally recommended to maximize torque output,enabling them to handle large propeller loads without excessive current consumption or overheating,resulting in higher efficiency and longer endurance.
2.Stator Size(e.g.,2808,3110)
Drone motors are typically specified by four-digit codes(e.g.,2808),where the first two digits indicate stator diameter(mm)and the last two indicate stator height(mm).
Performance impact:
Larger stators(overall size):Typically generate greater thrust.
Taller stators(e.g.,2207 vs 2206):Higher maximum speed but potentially worse low-speed control.
Wider stators(e.g.,2306 vs 2206):Better low-speed handling but lower maximum speed.
Inertia and responsiveness:
Wider motors have mass farther from the rotation axis,requiring more energy to change speed,resulting in greater inertia and lower responsiveness than narrower/taller motors.
Heat dissipation:
Wider motors typically offer better heat dissipation due to larger surface area,greatly aiding continuous high-power operation.
Since 8-inch drones often carry payloads,motor selection should prioritize torque and heat dissipation,making wider stators(e.g.,28xx,31xx)significantly advantageous.
3.Thrust
Thrust is the force generated by the motor and propeller system to lift and move the drone,directly relating to takeoff,hovering,maneuvering,and payload capacity.
Factors affecting thrust:Propeller diameter(thrust increases with diameter to the fourth power),speed(thrust proportional to speed squared),and pitch.
4.Peak Current and Rated Power
Peak current indicates the maximum current a motor can withstand briefly(typically seconds)without overheating,while power is the rate at which the motor generates thrust.
This is crucial to avoid motor/ESC damage and ensure sustained performance,requiring motor current consumption and power output to match battery and ESC specifications.
5.Propeller Compatibility
Propeller size and pitch must match motor specifications to optimize thrust and efficiency.
Propeller diameter:Larger diameters move more air,requiring more powerful motors to drive them,generating greater thrust.
Propeller pitch:The theoretical distance a propeller advances per revolution.
Low-pitch propellers:Less drag,faster acceleration,better maneuverability,higher responsiveness,more efficient at low throttle,helping extend flight time.
High-pitch propellers:Move more air per revolution,generating greater thrust but also more drag,potentially reducing acceleration and agility.
How to Choose 8 Inch Drone Motor？
1.Define Purpose
Heavy-load/Cinematic Aerial Photography
These drones require high torque and thrust for stable flight with heavy payloads.Cinematic drones typically have thrust-to-weight ratio(TWR)~2:1.Recommended motor sizes include 2808,2809,3110,etc.,with low KV motors(e.g.,900-1200KV for 6S,600-900KV for 8S-10S)paired with large propellers being ideal.
Long Endurance
These applications prioritize efficiency and low current consumption for extended flight times.Recommended are low KV motors like 2806.5,2808,or 3110 with large propellers,typically with TWR of 2:1 to 2.5:1.
2.Propeller,Battery Voltage and KV Matching
Low KV motors typically pair with larger,slower propellers and higher voltage batteries for efficiency and torque,while high KV motors pair with smaller,faster propellers and lower voltage batteries for speed.
3.Stator Size Selection
After considering application needs,stator size selection should prioritize torque and heat dissipation.For 8-inch drones,especially heavy-load/long-range applications,recommended stator sizes are typically xx08-xx10(e.g.,2808,2809,or 3110),as these larger stators provide the required torque.
4.ESC Compatibility
ESCs are critical links between flight controllers,batteries,and motors,regulating power to each motor to control speed,ensure precise synchronization,and enable smooth acceleration,braking,and directional adjustments.
Current rating matching:ESC's maximum amp rating must exceed motor's maximum current consumption by over 20%to avoid damage from current spikes.
Voltage compatibility:ESCs must support the battery voltage used(e.g.,4S,6S,8S).
5.Thrust-to-Weight Ratio(TWR)
TWR is the ratio of total thrust to total weight(drone+payload).
TWR>1:Drone can take off.
TWR=1:Drone hovers.
TWR<1:Drone cannot take off.
Typical TWR for different applications:
General/stable flight:At least 2:1 for stable hovering,acceleration,and maneuvering.
Cinematography/monitoring/inspection:Moderate,~2:1 to 2.5:1,requiring sufficient thrust for payloads.
Delivery drones:Moderate,2.5:1 to 3:1 to accommodate variable payloads.
FPV racing(for reference,not typical 8-inch):High,4:1 to 6:1 for rapid acceleration and agile maneuvers.
Payload capacity:
TWR directly affects additional load capacity.The motor system must generate sufficient extra thrust to lift the drone's own weight plus payload while maintaining stable flight.
For professional 8-inch drones(e.g.,cinematic or heavy-load models),TWR is a crucial comprehensive metric reflecting how well the propulsion system(motor+propeller+battery+ESC)matches mission requirements.
| Application Scene | KV Range | Compatible Battery Voltage | Key Features / Advantages |
| Heavy Lift / Cinematic | 900-1200KV | 6S | High torque, stable hover, carries heavy cameras and gimbals. |
| 600-900KV | 8S-10S | Ultimate efficiency, lower current, longer flight time, suitable for professional cinema filming. | |
| Long Endurance / Cruising | 900-1200KV | 6S | Optimized efficiency, extended flight time, stable cruising. |
| 600-900KV | 8S-10S | Maximized endurance, suitable for long-duration monitoring and surveying. | |
| General Purpose 8-inch | 900-1200KV | 6S | Balances both payload and endurance for balanced performance. |
Recommended Motors for 8-inch Drones
When selecting motors for 8-inch drones,priority is typically given to torque,efficiency,and construction to meet the needs of heavy-load,cinematic filming,or long-endurance applications.Below are five outstanding 8-inch drone motor recommendations for their respective fields.
1.T-Motor F100 2810(1100KV)
The T-Motor F100 2810 is designed for 7-8 inch cinematic drones,renowned for its power and efficiency.It features a Unibell structure and hand-wound coils,ensuring high quality and reliability.
Advantages:
Balanced performance:Provides strong thrust while maintaining good efficiency,suitable for long-range and cinematic applications.
Smooth control:Offers stable cinematic flight at low throttle and stronger power at high throttle.
High reliability:T-Motor is an industry-leading brand known for high-quality,high-performance,and highly reliable products.
Disadvantages:
Higher price:Typically more expensive than budget motors,but offers better lifecycle cost advantages.
2.T-HOBBY V2808(1300KV)
The T-HOBBY V2808 is designed as a cost-effective cinematic-grade motor for 7-8 inch long-range and filming drones,focusing on stable performance and smooth flight experience.
Advantages:
High cost-performance:Offers better price advantages among similar motors,suitable for budget-conscious users seeking performance.
Smooth and stable:Delivers silky flight feel and enhanced filming stability,ideal for cinematic applications.
Versatile:Compatible with 7-8 inch long-range and filming drones,with wide applications.
Disadvantages:
Extreme performance:While stable,it may not match some higher-end professional motors in extreme thrust or environmental adaptability.
3.iFlight XING2 3110(900KV)
The iFlight XING2 3110 is a next-gen product in the XING series,designed for 7/8/9 inch cinematic drones,renowned for its exceptional response speed and durability.
Advantages:
Fast response:Uses center-slotted N52H curved magnets to significantly reduce response time,offering lightning-fast flight feel.
Extreme durability:Features 5mm titanium shaft,7075 aluminum housing,NSK bearings,and O-ring protection,with strong impact resistance and long lifespan.
High cost-performance:Offers top-tier performance at relatively reasonable prices,considered excellent value.
Disadvantages:
Potential overkill:For lightweight 8-inch drones not carrying heavy payloads,its powerful performance may exceed actual needs,adding unnecessary weight and cost.
4.Xnova 3215(700KV)
The Xnova 3215 belongs to the cinematic motor series,designed for heavy camera HD video recording and extreme heavy-load applications,known for high torque,precision,and outstanding efficiency.
Advantages:
Exceptional heavy-load capacity:Delivers extremely high torque and performance,easily handling heavy cinema cameras and other payloads.
Ultimate efficiency and smoothness:Optimized stator design and large built-in bearings ensure extreme efficiency and ultra-smooth operation under heavy loads.
High-quality manufacturing:Xnova is renowned for its high-quality and precision manufacturing processes.
Disadvantages:
Expensive:As a high-end professional motor,its price is the main drawback.
5.MEPS SZ2806.5(1300KV)
The MEPS SZ2806.5 is designed for 6-8 inch long-range cinematic drones,focusing on efficiency,low heat,and load capacity.It features a Uni-Bell structure balancing lightweight and durability.
Advantages:
Endurance optimized:High efficiency and low heat characteristics help extend battery life and flight time,ideal for prolonged aerial photography missions.
Good load capacity:Effectively carries large cameras while maintaining flight stability.
Lightweight and impact-resistant:Lightweight design and impact-resistant structure enhance overall performance and durability.
High cost-performance:Offers excellent performance at relatively affordable prices.
Disadvantages:
Extreme thrust:Compared to larger heavy-load motors(e.g.,3110,3215),its performance may be slightly inadequate in applications requiring ultimate thrust.
Comparison table of 5 motors:
| Application Scene | Motor Model | KV Value | Stator Size | Max Thrust (g) | Input Voltage | Peak Current (A) | Key Features | Price (USD) |
| Heavy Lift / Cinematic | T-Motor F100 2810 | 1100KV | 2810 | 2597.38 | 6S | 45.59 | Designed for 7-8 inch cinema drones, balancing power and efficiency. | ~$35.9 |
| Long Endurance / Cinematic | T-HOBBY V2808 | 1300KV | 2808 | 3083.4 | 6S | 62.4 | High cost-performance, smooth flight, suitable for 7-8 inch long-range and cinema filming. | ~$28 |
| Heavy Lift / Cinematic | iFlight XING2 3110 | 900KV | 3110 | 4311.4 | 8S | 65.54 | Quick response, extremely durable, designed for 7/8/9 inch cinema drones. | ~$49.8 |
| Ultimate Heavy Lift / Cinematic | Xnova 3215 | 700KV | 3215 | 4490 | 8S | 60 | Extremely high torque, ultimate efficiency, designed for heavy camera HD video recording. | ~$61.99 |
| Long Endurance / Cinematic | MEPS SZ2806.5 | 1300KV | 2806.5 | 2430 | 4-6S | 36.8 | Optimized for long endurance, low heat, lightweight, high cost-performance. | ~$33.9 |
Motor Installation Considerations
1.Motor Installation
Mounting holes:Motors have specific bolt patterns(e.g.,16x19mm,19x25mm,25x25mm,31x31mm)and screw sizes(M2,M3).Ensure compatibility between motor and frame mounting holes.
Screw length:Avoid excessively long screws that may contact motor windings,causing shorts or damage.
Tightening:Tighten screws until resistance is felt,then an additional quarter to third turn to avoid over-tightening which may alter motor function.
Cable orientation:Ensure motor cables face downward along arms for neatness and to prevent propeller interference.
2.Motor and ESC Wiring
Soldering:Solder three motor wires to ESC pads.Maintain consistent wire order for easier configuration,though reversed connections can be corrected via software.
Cable length:Trim motor wires to appropriate lengths for tidy ESC connections,avoiding excess that could tangle with propellers.
ESC placement:Best practice is mounting ESCs near motors for propeller airflow cooling and reduced EMI,though this requires extra capacitors to mitigate voltage spikes from long battery wires.
Daily maintenance of motor
1.Daily Inspection Checklist
| Inspection Item | Specific Operation / Notes |
| Pre-flight Check | Visually inspect the motor for damage, dirt, and ensure its free rotation, no resistance, and no abnormal noise. Check if the propeller is loose. |
| Check if the battery is fully charged and securely connected, with no bulging or damage. | |
| Check if the propeller is correctly installed, free of cracks, defects, or bends. | |
| Allow the motor to cool down before further operation or storage. | |
| Post-flight Care | Regularly clean the motor, remove dust and debris (use compressed air or a soft brush). |
| Check if the propeller, motor mount, and camera are new and undamaged. | |
| Check if the frame has cracks or signs of wear, especially around the motor base and landing gear. | |
| Check the battery health, and store properly (e.g., store at 50-60% charge for long-term storage). | |
| Regular Maintenance | Regularly check bearings for noise or friction, lubricate bearings with high-speed lubricating oil every 1-2 months. |
| Check if motor windings are burnt, dislocated, or cracked. | |
| Check if the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) is overheated, damaged, or has loose connections or abnormalities. | |
| Ensure firmware (drone and controller) is up-to-date. | |
| When taking off in a dusty environment, use a thick pad to prevent foreign objects from entering the motor. |
2.Common Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Symptom | Troubleshooting Method |
| Motor Not Rotating Abnormal Startup | Completely Not Rotating | Power Issue: Measure battery voltage for sufficiency. Check battery connections for tightness, no looseness or oxidation. Inspect power cables for damage or breaks. |
| Stuttering/Shaking | ESC Fault: Test suspect ESC with a known-good motor. Check for continuity (short circuit) between ESC battery pads and motor pads. Update ESC firmware. | |
| Abnormal Noise | Motor Damage: Manually rotate the motor to check for resistance, noise, or stuttering. Inspect motor exterior for physical damage.Check the copper coils for signs of burning, misalignment, or breakage. Use a multimeter to measure the winding resistance—unequal readings or an open circuit indicate damage. Inspect the bearings for noise, friction, or excessive play. Remove any foreign objects from inside the motor. Check if the motor's base plate is bent. | |
| Motor Overheating | Inconsistent Startup | ESC Calibration Issue: Re-perform ESC calibration steps to ensure all ESCs have consistent throttle range settings. |
| Motor Feels Hot to Touch | Overload: Check propeller size for compatibility with motor; oversized or high-pitch propellers increase motor burden. | |
| Reduced Efficiency/Shortened Endurance | Inadequate Cooling: Check for dust or debris blocking motor cooling holes. Ensure adequate air circulation around motor. | |
| Excessive Current Consumption | System Mismatch: Verify current ratings of motor, ESC, and battery match; ensure ESC rating exceeds motor's maximum current draw. | |
| Excessive Motor Vibration | Unstable Drone Flight | Propeller Issue: Check propellers for balance and damage (cracks, nicks, or bends). Unbalanced propellers are a primary cause of vibration. |
| Motor Vibrates Itself | Bent Motor Shaft: Inspect motor shaft for bending; a bent shaft causes severe vibration and requires motor replacement. | |
| Not running smoothly | Bearing Wear: Check bearings for wear or damage causing excessive clearance or smooth rotation issues. | |
| Motor Cable or Connection Issue | Intermittent Motor Operation | Cable Looseness/Breakage: Inspect three cables between motor and ESC for looseness, poor soldering, or breaks. |
| Motor Smoking/Burning Smell | Short Circuit: Immediately disconnect power. Check motor windings for signs of short circuit (burning, discoloration). Check if motor mounting screws are too long, contacting windings and causing short circuit. |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What KV value is typically recommended for 8-inch drones?
For 8-inch drones,low KV motors are typically recommended,e.g.,900-1300KV for 6S batteries,or 600-900KV for 8S-10S batteries,to efficiently handle large propeller loads and prevent overheating.
Why are 8-inch drones unsuitable for racing?
Due to their size and inertia,8-inch drones have slower response,lower agility,and higher propeller/battery costs,making them less common than 5-7 inch drones in professional racing.
How to choose propellers that match motors?
Propeller diameter,pitch,and blade count must match motor specs.Low KV motors typically pair with larger,slower props,while high KV motors pair with smaller,faster props.
What role do ESCs play in drones?
ESCs bridge flight controllers,batteries,and motors,regulating power to each motor,controlling speed,ensuring precise synchronization,and enabling smooth acceleration,braking,and directional adjustments.
How to ensure ESC-motor compatibility?
ESC's max amp rating must exceed motor's max current draw with≥20%margin.Additionally,ESCs must support the battery voltage used.
What are main applications for 8-inch drones?
8-inch drones excel in cinematography,long-range flight,and heavy-load applications like carrying professional cameras,extended cruising,or delivery missions.
How does battery voltage(e.g.,4S,6S)affect motor selection?
Higher voltages(e.g.,6S,8S)provide greater power and efficiency but require lower KV motors to maintain balance and prevent overheating.Higher voltage means lower current draw at same power,reducing heat and extending flight time.
How does propeller blade count affect flight?
More blades(e.g.,3,4)typically offer better stability and thrust but increase drag,reducing efficiency and top speed.Fewer blades(e.g.,2)have less drag and higher speed but weaker thrust and stability.
When should drone motors be replaced?
Consider replacement when motors show visible external damage>0.5mm axial play,fluid leakage,abnormal internal resistance,complete failure,abnormal vibration/jamming,sluggish response,or burnt/broken windings with unusual noise.
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