I'm considering back and forth wether to do an open or a by-pass installation of my PST 1300R. PST flies their F-18's with an open installation, and performance is very good indeed. I'm not concerned about all-out speed, static and low speed thrust / acceleration matters more to me.

How about internal airframe pressure? Does anyone have any experience / advice with regard to that and possible problems with door and speedbrake closure with open installations?

- Thore

Thore, Don't bother wit ha bypass, you loose static thrust and only gain a little top end. It also makes the install a lot tighter. I was going to go that way but after fitting in the bypass I changed my mind.

There is enough airflow out the back around the pipe that the inside pressure should be fine.

Disclaimer - I have not flown my yet since I just got the Turbine back from service and I am still waiting on mounts so I am only working off what I have seen with other F-18's as far as pressure in flight goes.

Dave,

thanks for your input this and the on the speed brake. I think I'll go with the open installation. Hope to test fly this weekend.......

- Thore