Turbine America

Author: D. Ellis

Edition: Model Aviation - 1997/11
Page Numbers: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Turbine America

Delmar Ellis

Event summary

The skies over Indiana filled with the sound of jets as Turbine America returned to Muncie June 13–15. Weather remained clear, providing ideal flying conditions and full use of facility parking on grass fields. The event was hosted by the Jet Pilots' Organization (JPO) with the intent of informal fun flying and a showcase for manufacturers. An earlier decision to require JPO membership was overturned after proving unpopular. The turnout was successful despite a scheduling conflict with a concurrent meet in Belleville, Canada. By Saturday, an estimated 56 aircraft and 44 pilots were actively engaged. The entire event was videotaped by SKS and will be commercially available.

Turbines and fan models intermingled with no difficulty; turbine operation in model aircraft was demonstrated to be safe throughout the weekend. Fliers and spectators streamed in all weekend, with the spectator fence line and grandstands located immediately behind the starting ramp and providing clear access to manufacturers' display tents.

Participation

Most significant manufacturers supported and sponsored the meet; many jet manufacturers were present or represented. Twelve turbine-powered aircraft participated during the three-day event, and additional turbines were operated in demonstration test stands.

Manufacturers and equipment

AMT-USA

We welcomed a new manufacturing group, AMT-USA, led by Jim Weigle of Williamstown, West Virginia. A JMP T-33, previously built and shown by Tom Cook, was used to demonstrate the power of a Pegasus turbine (22 pounds thrust). Before the weekend concluded, a single-Pegasus–powered BVM F-4 completed taxi tests and took to the air.

Jim announced AMT-USA will sell engines factory-direct and through a dealer network including JMP and Tom Cook. AMT-USA is a partnership including AMT Netherlands; manufacturing will take place in West Virginia to stabilize price and improve immediate availability. A reduced price of $4,295 was announced. AMT also displayed its new Olympus 35-pound-thrust turbine (did not run at the meet due to AMA thrust limits); it features sophisticated electronics and an optional Engine Data Terminal (EDT). One of AMT’s new dealers, Toy Box Hobby Shop of St. Petersburg, Florida, participated with bench-test demonstrations.

Turbomin USA

Turbomin USA (Reinol Gonzalez and Albert Aravjo) flew F-15s powered by T60 engines. They released information on pending changes: the T60 will be modified with a new rotor to upgrade thrust from 16 to 22 pounds; the current T100 will be discontinued; and a new, much smaller, lighter turbine producing 16 pounds of thrust (weighing approximately the same as a ducted fan) will be introduced. Price will be $2,495 (temporary introductory price $2,000). Availability was expected within weeks pending AMA approval.

Century Jet Models and Golden West

Century Jet Models, demo pilot Lewis Patton, presented several models including Sport Hawk, twin F-4, and initial test flights of a He 162 with turbine power. Patton remains an outstanding pilot and provided memorable flights.

Golden West was represented by Jim Hiller flying a turbine-powered Terminator; the aircraft was extremely swift and produced smooth aerobatics. Golden West personnel were otherwise involved in a movie shoot and missed some of the meet.

BVM and others

BVM was ably represented despite Bob Violett’s Florida crew being mostly absent. Terry Nitsch and Tim Redelman flew fan-powered Maverick Pros; Tim displayed a Bandit nearing completion. Terry flew a JPX T260 turbine-powered BVM P-80 finished in a Minuteman scale paint scheme over metal panels—the practice airplane shares the finish of a scale competition model that recently placed fourth at Top Gun. The engine and airframe were well matched and delivered impressive performance.

Horizon Models and JR were represented by John Adams and Mike McConville. They received ground school on JPX operation using their new BVM Bandit aircraft. John brought a Maverick and an Aggressor (fan-powered).

Other manufacturers and products were present or sponsoring (see Sponsors list).

Notable pilots and demonstrations

Delmar (Del) Ellis and “Mike” were regulars; Mike experienced his first public jet flight and completed an aerobatic routine including high-speed rolling circles. He also performed a propeller-powered aerobatic presentation in a Moki-powered Midwest CAP 232 with a hanging-prop pass inches above the runway.
Terry Nitsch provided several highlight demonstration flights and vintage demonstrations that were mesmerizing in precision.
Jim Hiller (Golden West) flew both the turbine-powered Terminator and a fan-powered BVM T-33, delivering very smooth aerobatics.
Lewis Patton (Century Jet Models) flew the Sport Hawk, twin F-4, and performed He 162 initial tests.
Bill Midgley ran the flightline with efficiency and filled in for spectator entertainment with flights of his fan-powered Maverick when there were lulls in activity.

Del’s JPX-powered Maverick flew several times (mostly at Terry’s hands). Del managed one flight himself with a rough landing that provided humorous post-landing review at the banquet—an example of humility and the learning curve in the hobby.

Accident and safety

A serious accident occurred during bench-test demonstrations. Pilot/operator Richard Booze was checking a potential fuel leak while the turbine was running. He ran his hand up the fuel line and inadvertently inserted his thumb into the inlet; a resounding impact stopped the engine instantly. Richard lost the top of his thumb bone, including part of the knuckle, and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. He returned to the evening banquet hours later.

The message is clear: it can happen in a split second. When operating turbines on an open bench test, extreme care is essential. Inlet safety is critical—thumbs, other body parts, and loose objects (rags, tools, etc.) can be pulled into the inlet airflow, causing engine failure and severe personal injury. Also consider hot-exhaust safety.

Flightline and organization

Contest Director David Bloomer’s tireless efforts and AMA personnel support made the meet a success. Ralph Bailey, President of JPO, contributed as well. Bill Midgley directed the flightline efficiently. The meet had been well publicized regionally, producing a steady flow of spectators, especially Saturday and Sunday.