MQ-9 Reaper help / advice
 

hey guys i just got a MQ-9 reaper from nitro plane and im going to put a nitro motor inplace of the electric one. I put one of my really old .20 engines where i wanna put it but does anyone know if someone makes a shaft extension or something that would work for my problem? I really dont wanna mount the engine all the way in the back because of the weight and i dont really wanna cut into the top. also does anyone know what size engine i should use?
I have alot of other questions but lets start here and see where it goes

RE: MQ-9 Reaper help / advice
 

BTW its about 4 1/2 inches from where u mount the prop on the engine to where it has to exit the back

RE: MQ-9 Reaper help / advice
 

Cool project! :D

I don't know if there is a commercially made off the shelf extension that would be the exact size and length you need. However, one could be made easily by anyone with a hobby lathe. You would probably need to add a bulkhead where the shaft exits the fuselage that has a bearing installed to support the shaft at that area. And the shaft would have to be tapered at the end so that a propeller drive hub could seat on it and then of course the very end threaded for the nut.

RE: MQ-9 Reaper help / advice
 

I can't image that it would worth the effort to make an extension of the prop shaft. You would just add a lot of weight in the rear of the plane. Best would be to use a lightweight engine I guess and mount it were it needs to be in order for the prop to clear the fuse. Cooling can be problematic with rear mounted engines so I guess you are better off the head sticking out in to the little airflow that there is.