Jetset,

There are several problems with pulse jets that have kept them from ever becoming popular. The sound is the first, actually noise is a better term. They put out an awful, nasty, throaty, grunting honking, barfing you name it kind of sound. Whether you like the sound of them or not they are incredibly, unbelievably loud, that is why they are usually flown out in the desert to get them as far away from people as possible. Another problem is power, they don't put out much. I talked with Bruce Tharp once about his Shockwave pulse jet model that was on the cover of RCM and he said it wasn't very fast at all. My propeller driven Diamond Dust would leave it, well, in the dust. Finally, they have no throttle capability.

Pulse jet flyers are kind of like washing machine hot-rodders, (yes, there are such people, no I'm not one of them!) a very small, select group that enjoy their hobby. I say more power to 'em. Due to the problems associated with them; however it is unlikely they will ever achieve any kind of popularity.