KDE Direct KDE8218XF-120
Series: KDE Direct Brushless motors for drones
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The KDE Direct KDE8218XF-120 is a heavy-lift motor (24N28P) for 6S to 14S systems with 30.5-inch two-blade propellers. KDE Direct is a US manufacturer of drone drives. The stator class 8218 stands for 82 mm diameter and 18 mm height; the motor weighs 760 g (845 g with cables) and measures 89 x 54.2 mm. In the KDE range it is among the large multicopter motors.
At 120 KV the motor turns roughly 6,200 rpm unloaded on 14S (51.8 V nominal). For 180 s KDE quotes 5,695 W at 110 A; together they give about 51.8 V, the nominal voltage of 14S. The limits hold only with at least 5 mph (about 8 km/h) of airflow over the winding. The recommended propeller is the KDE 30.5x9.7 two-blade, and 6 to 14S is permitted. The 28 poles on 24 slots give high torque at low speed.
The maximum thrust of 18,873 g comes from KDE: test stand at 3,500 ft altitude, 58.8 V (14S), 30.5x9.7 two-blade propeller, 92.2 A and 5,418 W. This measuring point lies below the 180 s limits of 110 A and 5,695 W, so the thrust figure is reachable in the continuous range. At the maximum point it is 3.48 g of thrust per watt; the extrapolation to sea level (20,698 g) is a maker's estimate. The ratio of thrust to motor mass is about 25. A drive of this class is judged by its thrust at part load, not by its peak.
At 110 A, cable cross-section, connectors and controller headroom count. An aircraft with several such motors can exceed the open-category weight of 25 kg; above that the specific category applies, in which an operating authorisation after a risk assessment is needed. At the wear points, bearings and shaft, the imbalance of a 30.5-inch propeller shows first; the winding ages when airflow is missing.
Technical data
Other data
| Cell count (S) | 6-14Scorrect |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 89x54.2correct |
| Efficiency at maximum thrust (g/W) | 3.48correct |
| KV (rpm per volt) | 120correct |
| Maximum current (A) | 110 Acorrect |
| Maximum power (W) | 5,695correct |
| Maximum thrust (g) | 18,873correct |
| Maximum thrust test condition | 58.8V (14S), 30.5x9.7 Zweiblatt (KDE), 92.2 A, 5418 Wcorrect |
| Power rating time base (s) | 180correct |
| Recommended propeller | KDE 30.5x9.7 Zweiblattcorrect |
| Slots and poles | 24 (24S28P, HE)correct |
| Stator diameter (mm) | 82 mmcorrect |
| Stator height (mm) | 18 mmcorrect |
| Stator size | 8,218 mmcorrect |
| Thrust at sea level, estimated (g) | 20,698correct |
| Weight (g) | 760correct |
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
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