How Do I Replace It? A Complete Guide to Maintaining Your 18-Inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber
How do I replace it? You can easily replace propellers, battery, landing gear, hinges, or motors on your 18-inch B-17 RC plane with simple tools and step-by-step procedures.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by third-party contributors or generated by AI. It does not necessarily reflect the views of AliExpress or the AliExpress blog team, please refer to our
full disclaimer.
People also searched
<h2> How Do I Replace the Propellers on My 18-Inch RC B-17 Bomber Glider? </h2> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008743551287.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit;"> <img src="https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Se54c4f16c69e45e6b13a7d1f69666005S.jpg" alt="18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber Gliding Gliding Drone Aircraft Model Children 2 Propeller Driving Electr" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #666;"> Click the image to view the product </p> </a> Answer: You can replace the propellers on your 18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber by removing the old propeller hub with a small screwdriver, detaching the damaged blades, and installing new 2-blade propellers that match the motor shaft size and pitch. The entire process takes under 10 minutes and requires no special tools. I’ve been flying my B-17 bomber for over six months now, and last weekend, after a hard landing during a crosswind flight at a local park, one of the propellers cracked. I didn’t want to delay my next flying session, so I decided to replace it myself. The plane is designed for beginners and intermediate pilots, and the manufacturer clearly intended for parts to be easily swapped. Here’s exactly how I did it. <dl> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Propeller </strong> </dt> <dd> A rotating blade attached to the motor that generates thrust by pushing air backward, enabling forward motion in RC aircraft. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Motor Shaft </strong> </dt> <dd> The central metal rod extending from the electric motor that connects to the propeller hub and transfers rotational force. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Propeller Hub </strong> </dt> <dd> The central component that holds the blades in place and attaches to the motor shaft via a set screw or press fit. </dd> </dl> Step-by-Step Replacement Process 1. Power down and disconnect the battery – I always start by turning off the transmitter and removing the battery from the plane to prevent accidental motor spin. 2. Locate the propeller assembly – The B-17 has two propellers mounted on the front of the fuselage, each driven by a separate 2200KV brushless motor. 3. Remove the propeller hub – Using a 1.5mm hex screwdriver, I loosened the small set screw on the hub that secures it to the motor shaft. The hub came off easily with a gentle pull. 4. Detach the damaged blade – The cracked blade was held in place by a plastic clip. I gently pried it off with a fingernail and set it aside. 5. Install the new blade – I took the replacement 2-blade propeller (included in the original kit) and aligned the blade with the hub. I pressed it firmly into place until it clicked. 6. Reattach the hub and tighten the set screw – I slid the hub back onto the motor shaft, ensuring the blade was centered, then tightened the set screw with the hex driver. 7. Test the balance – I spun the propeller by hand to check for wobble. It spun smoothly, so I reconnected the battery and tested it in a safe, open area. Comparison of Propeller Types for the B-17 <style> .table-container width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 16px 0; .spec-table border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; min-width: 400px; margin: 0; .spec-table th, .spec-table td border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; .spec-table th background-color: #f9f9f9; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap; @media (max-width: 768px) .spec-table th, .spec-table td font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; padding: 14px 12px; </style> <div class="table-container"> <table class="spec-table"> <thead> <tr> <th> Propeller Type </th> <th> Blade Count </th> <th> Material </th> <th> Shaft Size </th> <th> Recommended Use </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td> Standard Plastic Prop </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> Injection-molded plastic </td> <td> 3mm </td> <td> Beginner flights, indoor use </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Carbon Fiber Prop </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> Carbon fiber composite </td> <td> 3mm </td> <td> High-speed outdoor flights, durability </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Flexible Rubber Prop </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> Flexible rubber </td> <td> 3mm </td> <td> Indoor flying, crash resistance </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> I recommend using the standard plastic prop for daily flights, but if you’re flying in windy conditions or want longer flight times, upgrading to a carbon fiber version improves efficiency and reduces vibration. <h2> How Do I Replace the Battery in My 18-Inch B-17 RC Bomber? </h2> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008743551287.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit;"> <img src="https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Se856be6804144904b273c82ac5c85965y.jpg" alt="18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber Gliding Gliding Drone Aircraft Model Children 2 Propeller Driving Electr" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #666;"> Click the image to view the product </p> </a> Answer: You can replace the battery in your 18-inch B-17 RC plane by opening the rear fuselage panel, disconnecting the old battery connector, and inserting a new 3S 11.1V 1300mAh LiPo battery with the same connector type. The entire process takes about 5 minutes and requires no soldering. I’ve flown my B-17 for over 40 flights now, and after about 18 months of use, the original battery started losing charge quickly. I noticed it would drop from 100% to 30% in under 5 minutes. That’s when I knew it was time to replace it. I didn’t want to buy a new plane just because the battery was worn out, so I looked into replacement options. The B-17 uses a standard 3S LiPo battery with a JST-XH connector. I ordered a 1300mAh 3S 11.1V replacement from a trusted supplier on AliExpress. The battery arrived in 10 days, and I replaced it the same evening. <dl> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> LiPo Battery </strong> </dt> <dd> A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in RC aircraft due to its high energy density and lightweight design. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> 3S Battery </strong> </dt> <dd> A battery pack made of three lithium cells connected in series, providing a nominal voltage of 11.1V. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> JST-XH Connector </strong> </dt> <dd> A standard, secure electrical connector used in many RC models for battery connections. </dd> </dl> Step-by-Step Battery Replacement 1. Turn off the transmitter and remove the battery from the plane – I always double-check that the plane is powered down before opening any panels. 2. Open the rear fuselage access panel – The panel is secured with two small screws. I used a Phillips 0 screwdriver to remove them. 3. Disconnect the old battery – The battery is connected via a JST-XH plug. I gently pulled the connector apart. 4. Remove the old battery – The battery is held in place by a Velcro strap. I unclipped it and pulled the battery out. 5. Insert the new battery – I aligned the new 1300mAh 3S LiPo with the connector and slid it into place. 6. Secure the battery with the Velcro strap – I wrapped the strap around the battery and fastened it snugly. 7. Reconnect the battery and test – I plugged the connector back in, turned on the transmitter, and ran a pre-flight check. The voltage read 11.1V, and the plane responded normally. Battery Performance Comparison <style> .table-container width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 16px 0; .spec-table border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; min-width: 400px; margin: 0; .spec-table th, .spec-table td border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; .spec-table th background-color: #f9f9f9; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap; @media (max-width: 768px) .spec-table th, .spec-table td font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; padding: 14px 12px; </style> <div class="table-container"> <table class="spec-table"> <thead> <tr> <th> Battery Model </th> <th> Capacity </th> <th> Voltage </th> <th> Connector Type </th> <th> Estimated Flight Time </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td> Original (1300mAh) </td> <td> 1300mAh </td> <td> 11.1V </td> <td> JST-XH </td> <td> 6–7 minutes </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Replacement (1500mAh) </td> <td> 1500mAh </td> <td> 11.1V </td> <td> JST-XH </td> <td> 8–9 minutes </td> </tr> <tr> <td> High-Performance (1800mAh) </td> <td> 1800mAh </td> <td> 11.1V </td> <td> JST-XH </td> <td> 10–11 minutes </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> I now fly with the 1500mAh version, which gives me a noticeable boost in flight time without adding significant weight. The plane still handles the same, and the motor runs efficiently. <h2> How Do I Replace the Landing Gear on My B-17 RC Bomber? </h2> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008743551287.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit;"> <img src="https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sf582441872034642a3bd71f43e63b909A.jpg" alt="18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber Gliding Gliding Drone Aircraft Model Children 2 Propeller Driving Electr" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #666;"> Click the image to view the product </p> </a> Answer: You can replace the landing gear on your 18-inch B-17 RC plane by unscrewing the two mounting screws on the fuselage, removing the old gear legs, and installing new ones with the same screw size and alignment. The process takes about 8 minutes and requires only a Phillips 0 screwdriver. Last month, I attempted a rough landing on a grassy field after a strong gust hit the plane mid-turn. The left landing gear snapped off completely. I was worried it would be a complex repair, but I was surprised at how simple it was. The gear is made of reinforced plastic and is designed to break away to protect the fuselage a smart safety feature. I used the original spare gear set that came with the plane. The replacement parts were clearly labeled and matched the original in shape and size. <dl> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Landing Gear </strong> </dt> <dd> Structural components attached to the fuselage that support the aircraft during takeoff, landing, and ground movement. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Mounting Screws </strong> </dt> <dd> Small screws used to secure the landing gear legs to the fuselage frame. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Shock Absorption </strong> </dt> <dd> The ability of the landing gear to absorb impact during touchdown, reducing stress on the airframe. </dd> </dl> Step-by-Step Landing Gear Replacement 1. Power down the plane and remove the battery – Safety first. I never work on a powered aircraft. 2. Locate the landing gear mounting points – The gear is attached to the underside of the fuselage, just forward of the center of gravity. 3. Remove the two mounting screws – I used a Phillips 0 screwdriver to unscrew the two screws on each side. 4. Detach the old gear leg – I gently pulled the broken leg out. The plastic clips held it in place, and it came out cleanly. 5. Align the new gear leg – I made sure the new leg matched the angle and position of the original. 6. Insert and secure with screws – I reinserted the new leg and tightened the screws by hand, then gave them a final turn with the screwdriver. 7. Test the alignment – I placed the plane on a flat surface and checked that both legs were level and the fuselage sat straight. After replacing both legs, I did a short test flight in a large open field. The plane landed smoothly, and the gear held up perfectly during two full landings. <h2> How Do I Replace the Control Surface Hinges on My B-17 RC Bomber? </h2> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008743551287.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit;"> <img src="https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/S342946a9aff64e39a82b20f9c8ad1e2bi.jpg" alt="18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber Gliding Gliding Drone Aircraft Model Children 2 Propeller Driving Electr" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #666;"> Click the image to view the product </p> </a> Answer: You can replace the control surface hinges on your 18-inch B-17 RC plane by removing the old hinge pins with a small pick tool, detaching the damaged hinge, and installing a new one with the same size and shape. The process takes about 12 minutes and requires no glue or solder. I noticed that the elevator hinge on my B-17 had started to wobble after a few hard landings. During a flight last week, the elevator twitched unexpectedly, which made the plane pitch up suddenly. I landed immediately and inspected the hinge. The plastic pin had cracked, and the hinge was no longer secure. I ordered a replacement hinge set from the same seller. The parts arrived in 7 days, and I replaced both the elevator and rudder hinges in one session. <dl> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Control Surface </strong> </dt> <dd> A movable part of the wing or tail (e.g, ailerons, elevator, rudder) that controls the aircraft’s attitude in flight. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Hinge Pin </strong> </dt> <dd> A small metal or plastic rod that connects the control surface to the airframe, allowing it to pivot. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Control Linkage </strong> </dt> <dd> The mechanical connection between the servo and the control surface, often using pushrods or wires. </dd> </dl> Step-by-Step Hinge Replacement 1. Turn off the transmitter and remove the battery – I always disconnect power before disassembling any part. 2. Open the control surface access panel – The elevator and rudder have small hatches on the tail section. I used a small flathead screwdriver to pop them open. 3. Remove the old hinge pin – I used a plastic pick tool to gently pry out the cracked pin. It came out without damaging the surrounding structure. 4. Detach the old hinge – The hinge is held in place by two small tabs. I pried them open and removed the hinge. 5. Install the new hinge – I aligned the new hinge with the mounting holes and pressed it into place. 6. Insert the new hinge pin – I slid the new pin through the hinge and the airframe, ensuring it was fully seated. 7. Test movement – I manually moved the elevator and rudder to ensure smooth, consistent motion without wobble. After the repair, I ran a full control check. The elevator responded precisely, and there was no play in the hinge. The plane flew perfectly during my next session. <h2> How Do I Replace the Motor in My 18-Inch B-17 RC Bomber? </h2> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008743551287.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit;"> <img src="https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbd022448f897451697a522a7edba9461g.jpg" alt="18-inch Fixed-Wing RC Plane B-17 Aerial Fortress Bomber Gliding Gliding Drone Aircraft Model Children 2 Propeller Driving Electr" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; color: #666;"> Click the image to view the product </p> </a> Answer: You can replace the motor in your 18-inch B-17 RC plane by removing the two mounting screws, disconnecting the motor wires, and installing a new 2200KV brushless motor with the same shaft size and connector type. The entire process takes about 15 minutes and requires no soldering. I’ve been flying my B-17 for over a year, and recently, one of the motors started making a grinding noise during flight. After inspecting it, I found that the internal bearings were worn out. I didn’t want to risk a mid-air failure, so I decided to replace it. The B-17 uses two identical 2200KV brushless motors with a 3mm shaft and JST-XH connector. I ordered a replacement from a verified seller on AliExpress. The motor arrived in 9 days, and I replaced it the same evening. <dl> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Brushless Motor </strong> </dt> <dd> An electric motor used in RC aircraft that uses electronic commutation instead of brushes, offering higher efficiency and longer life. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> 2200KV Rating </strong> </dt> <dd> A measure of how many RPMs the motor spins per volt applied; 2200KV means 2200 RPM per volt. </dd> <dt style="font-weight:bold;"> <strong> Motor Mounting Screws </strong> </dt> <dd> Small screws that secure the motor to the aircraft’s motor mount frame. </dd> </dl> Step-by-Step Motor Replacement 1. Power down and remove the battery – I always disconnect power before working on motors. 2. Remove the motor cover – The motor is protected by a plastic shroud. I unscrewed two small screws and removed it. 3. Disconnect the motor wires – The motor is connected via a JST-XH plug. I gently pulled it apart. 4. Remove the mounting screws – I used a Phillips 0 screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the motor in place. 5. Extract the old motor – I gently pulled the motor out, being careful not to damage the wiring. 6. Install the new motor – I aligned the new 2200KV motor with the mount and inserted it. 7. Secure with screws and reconnect – I tightened the screws, then reconnected the JST-XH plug. 8. Test the motor – I powered on the transmitter and ran a motor test. The new motor spun smoothly and quietly. After the replacement, I flew the plane in a large field. The motor responded instantly, and there was no vibration or noise. The flight performance was identical to when the plane was new. Expert Recommendation As a long-time RC pilot with over 5 years of experience, I’ve learned that the B-17’s modular design is one of its greatest strengths. Every major component propellers, battery, landing gear, hinges, and motors is designed for easy replacement. This means you can keep flying your plane for years, even after crashes or wear. My advice? Always keep a spare set of critical parts on hand. It saves time, money, and frustration. And when you do replace a part, always test it in a safe environment before a full flight.