What is the most efficient setup?

[traw1234]

So I have been curious about this for awhile now: what is more efficient(assuming they are equal weights) - more motors with more thrust or less motors with less thrust?

For example, if you had an octopcopter with 400g of thrust per motor or a quad with 800g of thrust per motor. I am assuming the octopcopter would fly better(I don't have experience with these, but I would think that being more spread out would provide a smoother flight), but what would create longer flight times?

Obviously there are other factors(FC, frame, overall build quality), but I am just curious assuming all hardware is equivalent.

 

[SleepyC]

Less energy expended would provide longer flight times.

Most of the long duration rigs are QUADs with very low KV motors (Such as the U8's or U11's) spinning 26 - 28" props on 8S - 12S power systems. These can reach well over an hour flight times.

 

[traw1234]

Exactly what I was looking for... Now am I correct in assuming that the octocopter would provide a steadier flight?

 

[SleepyC]

Exactly what I was looking for... Now am I correct in assuming that the octocopter would provide a steadier flight?

Not really, a properly set up quad can be just as stable as an octo. The only think you are doing by adding motors is increasing lift capacity and potentially adding redundancy. (ie. I have had a quads motor fail and the rig crashed. I have had a 30 lb X8 lose a motor and I hardly noticed.