AMT vs JetCat
 

Im a JetCat person myself and im very very happy with the engines, very reliable, easy to use and start, only ever had one flame out (and it wasnt the engines fault), and only ever had one go wrong (autostart was faulty from second start) etc. One thing though Ive heard AMT's are more efficient, lighter and spool up faster. I was put off them for a while as they lacked auto start but now they have had this for some time. Anyone any comparative experience, opinions or reviews etc? Im thinking of trying AMT for the next big project (160N + thrust).

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

I do not have experience with the electric start models, but I have owned AMT 180s and 280s since 1998. The engines have been very reliable for me.

I start the 180s with a leaf blower, but the 280 is in a Euro-fighter and requires a scuba bottle. I use the AMT auto start unit and electronic data terminal. It only requires that the umbilical be plugged into the plane and the transmitter run switch be activated, there is also an auto cool down when the umbilical is connected.

AMT does not have a 160N engine at this time, they go from a 135N to 200N.

The AMT engines specs are on the following link:

http://www.usamt.com/Mel/comm/comm_Specs.html

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

I think he is asking about the Dutch AMT motors.

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

The spool up is faster in my experience, but lighter ? No way. My AMT 280 weighs a ton, coz it's built like the proverbial brick ****house.

Gordon

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

The AMT NL Olympus is an excellent turbine and the most powerful engine I have had flying experiences with... 5 sec spool up/down time and truck loads of thrust 50++ lbs. great for lifting big heavy jets 40+ kg's. Auto start has been faultless also. Reliability overall has been 100% to date we have found and I personally plan on installing one into my big Yellow ARF twin bug very soon. I would not hesitate in recommending this turbine its cream of the crop in its thrust class easy!!!.... :D

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

Yea, I think amjflyer needs to specify which AMT he's talking about. From what I've seen, there is little resemblence between the (old technology) AMT USA engines and the new Olympus/Pegasus/Mercury produced by AMT Netherlands. I don't believe that the Pegasus is the brick that the AMT 280 is...

Bob

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

Yep, im talking about the Olympus/Pegasus, dutch AMT. Im not at all familiar with the US engines, didnt realise there was such a big difference. Thx

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

Hey amjflyer

I've just been through a similar decision about my next engine. I've had a Jetcat P80 for a while now and love it. But the spool time and efficiency made me look at other options.

I went with the Merlin 160 in the end. 37.5lb thrust at 118k rpm, very efficient, winner of the GTBA award and it can be serviced in the UK!

It's worth a look.

Chris

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

I have two of the AMT NL Pegasus turbines. Both are top notch when it comes to reliability and quality of construction. Bennie Van deGoor of AMT NL is a first class person to do business with. The USA rep for AMT NL is Tom Cook of Jet Model Products. You couldn't ask for a more knowledgable person in the turbine business. I feel the slight additional cost of an AMT NL over other turbines is well worth it when it comes to reliability. Just my 2 cents.....:D

Richard

RE: AMT vs JetCat
 

I have had very good performance/reliability from both the USA and NL AMT's. The basic engines (except the USA 400) are fairly similar but very different ECU's. They are both a little heavier and burn a little more fuel than the JetCats but have quick throttle response and ultra reliable.

Ditto on Bernie...a great guy! He even gave me a nice golf shirt at FL jets, something the USA guys have promised for years but never delivered.

Craig