frothingslosh

My Feedback: (6)

I would like to put together a 3 - 3-1/2 meter sailplane with turbine power. Problem is, I can find practically no info on such a project. Need answers to a number of questions:

1. Which ARF sailplanes of this size lend themselves well to turbine conversion (V-tail?)? Who are the manufacturers?

2. I figure that any turbine between 6 lb. and 10 lb. thrust would be acceptable ( I've had turbine experience owned three). Would appreciate opinions on this.

3. Am looking for a good used turbine in the 6 - 10 lb. category for the project at a reasonable price (funds are limited). Any manufacturer (except Jet Joe). Feel free to contact me if you have one in good condition that you're not using.

Thanks in advance for your information and advice.

Frothingslosh

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

I'm having a rough time getting my head around this one. A 3.5M sailplane is reletivly small in the scale world and will weigh 10 lbs or less in normal sailplane mode. So the power to weight ratio with what you have in mind is a bit high and after you mount the engine, ECU, batteries and fuel and such you will have a very heavy sailplane that will most likely have structural issues with the additional weight. You may want to aim at some of the larger sailplanes maybe at least in the 4M range.


http://www.soaringusa.com/products/p...ategory_id=380

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGa74...eature=related

BMatthews

That would be my thoughts as well. With the typical high aspect ratio of the scale models the wing area just would not really leave the model very able to soar with that much weight added to the airframe. Models up more in the 4 meter span range would seem to be a lot better.

Just a note that models in that size range don't come cheap. If you're on a bit of a budget for the jet motor you're going to find that the model itself is easily the cost of the motor at this size range. The very limited market for scale sailplanes of that size keeps the price of such kits way up there.

Keep scouring the marketplace for a used turbojet.

kwmtrubrit

If you go on to YouTube and search for jet powered RC sailplanes, I bet you will find something on there to give you a good wing span reference. Like the other guys, I think you are looking at way too small a wing for turbine power.

kwmtrubrit

Well, i just looked on YouTube and there were videos about turbine powered sailplanes. One, not a scale ship, but looked to be around 3M (an Opus), was turbine powered with a 3lbs thrust jet motor. I think one of the scale planes was 9M, unfortunately crashed.

wind junkie

My Feedback: (1)

Is there such thing as a 3M Opus?

Mine is 2M. I thought they all were. It's a one piece wing, so it's hard to forget that....

kwmtrubrit

Don't know anything about the Opus (probably out of my price range at 800 pounds sterling, or whatever it is in $), so I can't say I'm surprised that I got the wing span wrong. The only comparison I got for size was the launch and I really wasn't paying that much attention as my focus was on the primary subject of this thread, the power source.

Hobby Inn

http://www.skymasterjet.com/dg600t.htm

jquid

I was expecting an inverted low pass!

jetster81

I too have been researching options for a turbine powered glider and have gleaned the following from other sites, firstly the power required to push an aerobatic glider around is about one third to half the weight of the plane so for a 3mtr design at a rough guess comes out at around the 5kg mark then the choice of powerplant is somewhat limited to a p20 or similar so as not to put too much strain on the airframe. Secondly many recommend only full composite planes be used as it is generally viewed that foam wings may not hold up to rigours of jet powered flight.as far as tail configureation goes it does not appear important as possible burn issues can be adressed by slightly offsetting the turbine,which I am told does not affect perfomance,and a little ali tape applied to the tail surfaces for good measure. My current selection of kit is the X-Models Stingray which seems to fit the bill admirably and am waiting for the Jetsmunt merlin 35 to be launched before I make my final decision Cheers