pbusa1400

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pitts150hp

Ask Terry Nitch . Hes got a eflight blank with a WREN 44 on it and should be flying by now.

PHIL GREENO

Received my Blanik kit yesterday and I must say the quality is 1st class.Superb finish,painted and lacuered GRP fus,wings are very well built and weigh a ton like a plank of wood.

This is no light weight sailplane and would be ideal for a turbine if you should so wish.

If I do go for a turbine I think I would fit a Jet Munts Merlin VT-80.

I am not worried about overpowering this model as I have a throttle.

Main reason for using the VT-80 would be light weight (the bare motor including built in fuel valves) only weighs 950 gramms(2.1 lbs) and small size 90mm dia (3/12"). Very reasonable price and simple installation.

I have a Merlin 140 in my Ultra Flash and I fly most of the time at half throttle or just over and get amazing fuel economy (over 8 minutes) with wing tank and more than enough performance if i need it.

When I ordered this model I had no intention of fitting a turbine but now I am having second thoughts.

Phil.

loukos

My Feedback: (2)

got an almost new (27 minutes runtime) wren 44 gold kerostart in the market place....

docgboy

Pablo
what would you say is the incidence of the thrust line of the engine relative to the wing incidence. the pictures show some spacers under the rear of the mount but can't tell if that is just to compensate for the angle of the top of the fuse.

Scott

pbusa1400

There is some down thrust.

ZivBit

Hey Pablo

Any videos?

Ziv

docgboy

Thanks Pablo
I just found a super bee on RCU and got it. I test flew mine on Sunday without turbine and it went fine. I need to put crow in and get my flaps on the throttle stick to better control the landing. I had them on a switch and not precise I am making up some root rib templates and having some 3/32 aluminum cut to fit between fuse and wing. It will have an upright portion that will be bent at a slight downward angle to match your down thrust. The turbine will mount between the two plates. The wing tube and pins will keep it in position. This will make it easily removable and not require modification of the fuse.
I will post pics once I get further along. This is turning into a fun project that wasn't anticipated when I ordered the glider. Thanks for sharing yours with us, it has been a big help and motivator.
Scott

Helijet

Any more news on this interesting conversion? I just received my kit and have a KingTech 100 for it. Would be interested to here from others that are tackling this project.
Nice plane by the way!

Dean W.

DUCMOZ

Hi Dean

I have been looking at this long and hard. Please let me know how it goes as I really want to have one with a P60.

Thanks

Behzad

Helijet

Hey Behzad

The plane arrived undamaged short of a cracked forward windshield. I have the Spectrum servos and standoffs ordered. This is one big, solid, well designed aircraft that can easily handle turbine power. I plan on using colored smoke cartridges on the tips....will have it at Jets Over Whidby !

Dean W.

docgboy

We have completed the prototype mounting system for the turbine on the Blanik. it is a generic mount that will accept all types of turbine mounting brackets with a little trimming for with. I will complete the install on my ship and post some pictures. It is really nice system that can be removed easily if you want to send it up on a tow later on. Doubt I will want to go back after installing turbine.

I have found this to be a great glider but doesn't stay up long if you do aerobatics.

Also got a nice thin allunimun to make fin heat shield. I will also take pictures of that as well.

If there is interest in the mount we can cut and bend a few for $65 a pair plus a few bucks for shipping

Scott

Helijet

Cool...I assume it has the appropriate amount of down thrust built in and sandwiched between the wing and root rib. Looking forward to seeing the pics and definitely interested in acquiring a set.

Cheers
Dean W.

docgboy

correct. The downthrust is built in and is sandwiched between the wing and root rib. we also cut and countersunk two holes on each side to bolt them to fuse so even with wing tube out it will stay in place.

Scott

Redline7000

My Feedback: (2)

Why the downthrust? Would it not be better to have the turbine incidence parallel to the wing incidence?

docgboy

Most turbine pwered gliders seem to need the down thrust. possibly cause of jet blst on top of elevators. May be some fancy engineering reason someone can give but it comes down to if you don't they climb wildly under power.

Scott

Redline7000

My Feedback: (2)

I'll take that into consideration. I'm currently re building a 1/4 scale Fox. Not quite sure what turbine I'll use. I have a Wren 44 or a PST600.

snobird

My Feedback: (36)

Docgboy, sent you an order for the mount and shield. Please advise. Thanks

DUCMOZ

Awesome Dean. I for sure look forward to checking it out. How is the Hawk going ? I have not started mine yet.

Behzad

Helijet

Winter project....got the Blanik on the table followed by a CARF/Skygate Viper...

See you in August!
Dean W.

docgboy

ok here are some pictures of the mount we designed for the blanik. the bent tabs are intentionally left long so they can be trimmed based on the mount used. It took me only about 15 min. to mount it on the glider and will take 15- 30 min to measure and cut the tabs to mount the turbine. Also, we have the material for the heat shield and i will create a template of my shield and if interested we can include that as well for $10.
We are still pricing the material cost for the alluminun but I feel about $65 for the mount is a good approx price. We are trying to get the material in smaller quantity for the 4-5 of these that we will make. Right now we can get a 4x4 sheet but its well over $200 and I don't think there will be that big of a demand to warrant that much material.

I have three interested now. Please understand, I am a hobbyist and not in this as a business venture. I am just looking to help out so some can enjoy this glider with little effort. I am making no claims that this has been extensively tested and is full proof. This is just one hobby guy to another. If anybody has any suggestions on changes or improvements they are welcome but please keep the criticism constructive. I'm a sensitive guy!!! lol
scott

pbusa1400

That looks great!!!!

docgboy

Thanks for the positive comment Pablos.

Redline7000. I learned from a glider pilot friend of mine why down thrust is necessary. He stated that most gliders are designed with approx 2degrees of positive incidence in the wing as they are lifting airfoils. Most power planes are 0 or slight negative incidence in the wing. This seems to explain the need for me

Scott

Redline7000

My Feedback: (2)

Does it for me too! Your turbine mount is very clever!

jetster81

Can anyone say how much down thrust is a good starting point?