"Cottage Industry" Jets
Wow I feel kinda silly, but I did a search for air start r/c turbines. With no luck. Yet I did find some other usefull information. I must admit I didn't realize the price of the raw materials involved. Words like Aluminum make me think cheap lol. Also CNC machinery is very expensive, and outsourcing parts isn't cheap. Also read an article on where things have come in jets cost and technology wise. I'd have to say turbines are pretty cheap lol. Some of them more than others, but if I read one page right anything has to beat a $5000 propane turbine. I know some use it to start but just running one of it seems bad. Especially with the weight of a small propane tank.
Still pricey maybe I'll try one of those homebuilt turbines with the wood compressor. Only 5 lbs of thrust but I'm sure if I can get a brushed EDF to fly I could find something to fly with 5 lbs of thrust. lol