I have seen many of these prop jets that seem nice but not quite there. I have a proposal to all those prop jet makers out there that I think would be "neat" for lack of a better word.

Problem with prop jets are that the engines stick out for tractor types and the CG is hard to get right on pushers (plus, even when right, not a fun flying airplane)

My idea is a prop jet using the powertrain from a nitro boat. Whereas now, prop jets have their engines sticking out like Major Wart, the nitro boat powertrain would allow the engine to be located further back, hidden in the fuselage. The engine would sit at a 90 degree angle inside the area which would normally house the jets. The intakes and and exhaust should provide adequate cooling for the engine.

The size would have to be larger, say a 60 to allow enough room on either side of the drive shaft. The tank would straddle the drive shaft and be made of two thin and long tanks joined at the bottom to balance the fuel levels.

Of course, smaller ones where pull starts are available are also possible as well as pushers that want to move the cg further forward and hide the engine. in fact pushers may be easier since you don't have to worry too much about the drive shaft interference as much. In fact, pusher may be a better idea even.

Anyway, I think nothing can be prettier in the sky and still fly like a dream.

Why ARF? Because I want to buy it as one :-) I think someone can easily put this concept together and for those people that have always loved a prop jet but don't like the big engine sticking out and fake intakes/exhaust would snap it up.

Of course, I am available to test the first prototype :-)