RADIO CONTROL JETS
Jim Hiller, 6090 Downs Road, Champion, OH 44481
Show overview
I've returned from the mecca of modeling dreams: the Weak Signals RC Expo at Toledo, OH, April 9–11. If you haven't attended a Toledo show yet, do so; almost everything you've ever heard about in modeling is there.
This year, the ducted-fan and jet model manufacturers and suppliers showed up in force. The rapid growth of technology in their products is unbelievable. There are new engines for ducted fans, new and improved turbines, new airframe kits, and accessory items that we didn't know we needed but can't live without.
Bob Violett Models
Bob Violett Models had so many new releases that I can't mention them all. Highlights include:
- The all-composite Rafale twin, for those who desire twin-engine turbine performance at its best.
- The prototype Balsa Bandit, a lighter-weight version of the infamous Bandit. The Balsa Bandit has built-up wings and tailfeathers, similar in construction to the MiG-15, with tab-type construction and laser-cut parts (including the leading edge) to aid in building straight, strong wings quickly. It will take about 20 more hours to build than a Bandit but will reduce flying weight by about one pound and lower the kit cost by roughly $900. The Balsa Bandit requires a new main-gear retract unit with an aluminum frame and positive up and down locks.
- "Smooth Stop," a new brake valve that regulates brake-system air pressure based on servo position, allowing totally proportional brake operation. A single mini servo is all that's required to operate the valve.
Century Jet Models
Century Jet Models brought a large product display but could only show a portion of the kits and landing-gear systems available.
- The twin F-4 Phantom has been improved with two-piece removable wings, improved scale outlines, and smaller inlets for better scale and performance. The kit comes with pre-sheeted wings and durable landing gear for a nice large-scale F-4 Phantom at a reasonable price.
- New sport model: La Scorpion. Developed quietly, it has a 59-inch wingspan and a 65-inch length, designed for Ramtec fans or similar systems. It comes with pre-sheeted wings and horizontal stabilizers. Century Jet Models builds an excellent retractable landing-gear system for this aircraft.
CAI (Crow Aviation, Inc.)
CAI had a high-performance sport-jet lineup on display, including:
- Raven — for ducted fans
- Razor — for 14- to 18-pound turbines
- Raptor — for 22- to 30-pound turbines
These are highly prefabricated composite airframes, complete with sophisticated, rugged systems. The kits are very complete, requiring only minimal building—or rather, system installation—time.
CAI's attention to detail extends to wiring harnesses that clean up servo leads into one durable wiring loom wrapped in a protective sleeve. They offer landing gear systems, brakes, control fairings, special hinges, control horns, and more. Ordnance packages (missiles and tanks) are especially complete, with pylons, release mechanisms, and scale jacking screws to align and level the tanks.
Future CAI products include the now-flying F9F-5 Panther (designed for 22- to 30-pound turbines; 85-inch wingspan, 83-inch length), and projects such as a large F-16C and an F-100 for turbine power, plus CAI's own Orion turbine.
Golden West Models (JetCat Hammer)
Golden West Models introduced the new JetCat Hammer turbine. Deliveries are underway. At $3,195, the 17.5-pound-thrust turbines are currently the market offering with onboard starting capability. The JetCat Hammer, unlike its predecessor the FD3/67, does not require external air (scuba tank) for starting. Fuel is kerosene/Jet-A mixed fuel, eliminating the need for a separate oil system.
The Jet-Tronic Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is user-friendly and ships with a ground-support display unit that is required for turbine startup and can be used to check operating parameters.
Options and features include:
- An airspeed sensor (pitot tube) that plugs into the ECU to provide a cruise-control channel that automatically controls the turbine to a preset airspeed for relaxed cruise flying.
- An RS232 adapter and software to download the last 20 minutes of engine history.
Larry Wolfe and Jet Hangar Hobbies
Larry Wolfe and Jet Hangar Hobbies focus on keeping ducted-fan modeling affordable by designing kits around the Turbax II fan unit for use with .45 cubic-inch engines. This year the recommended engine is the K&B .48 four-stroke, which drives the fan to about 25,000 rpm and produces nearly nine pounds of thrust. That much power in a light package produces excellent performance for the money.
West Coast flyers who have seen the K&B .48 in an F-86 Saber report real gains in speed and vertical performance. A complete power system (K&B .48, Turbax II, and pipe) sells for about $350. Upgrade kits with the new engine and mount will be available. Jet Hangar Hobbies is also experimenting with cryogenically treated engine parts to improve performance and durability.
Jet Model Products
Jet Model Products had a mockup of the Firebird model under development for turbine power. The Firebird is a large model (92-inch length, 81-inch wingspan) designed to handle the power of current turbines. Tom Cook is carefully developing the model with attention to detail; his T-33 on display was his scale competition aircraft and an impressive, award-winning plane.
RA Microjets (RAM)
RA Microjets displayed the RAM 750 and a prototype of an upcoming electric-start option. A RAM 1000 turbine capable of about 22 pounds of thrust is planned for release this fall. The RAM 1000 will have the same external dimensions as the RAM 750 but will weigh roughly four ounces more.
The Turbine Connection
The Turbine Connection continues to grow its accessory and kit offerings. Accessories include the RC City product line, jet latches, pins, servo mounts, and fuel filters. They also offer a TurboPoxy glue-gun system that mixes epoxy as you depress the trigger, and FiberClassics kits from Europe.
Kits and options include:
- F-15 Strike Eagle
- A-4 Skyhawk
- F-86
These are available in turbine setups with retracts, landing gears, brakes, ordnance, and Killer Cockpits.
Killer Cockpits produces highly detailed cockpits and complete kits for many popular jet models, with molded instrument panels, side panels, ejection seats, and instruments—among the most detailed cockpits I've seen.
DL Aeromodels
DL Aeromodels, maker of the Cyclone sport jet and the MiG-21, introduced the Aermacchi MB-339 Sport Scale model for five-inch ducted fans or small turbines. The MB-339 is a good size (67-inch wingspan, 64.5-inch length), which promotes slower landing speeds and improved grass-field operations.
Top Gun Aircraft
Top Gun Aircraft showed a new panel-lined fuselage for the Ultra Eagle, due out this summer; the feature improves the appearance of the popular kit. The Ultra Eagle will continue to be available for six-inch-diameter fans and as the Ultra Eagle Pro for five-inch-diameter fans.
Top Gun's F-16C Fighting Falcon made a strong impression—a 99-inch length with a 67-inch wingspan—developed specifically for 15- to 25-pound-thrust turbines. Top Gun Aircraft is no longer just a sport-model connection.
Events
The lineup of meets for the year is set, and the growth of Fan Flys is unbelievable. Midwestern fliers can add the Michigan Jets & Turbines meet to the schedule; it will be held at the Grosse Ile Airport, Grosse Ile, MI, August 7–8.
Time to go flying. See you at the Fan Flys!
- M.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
