The model jet engine (gas turbine)
A true model jet engine adds the ultimate touch of realism to an rc jet, and commercially produced units for radio control use are now widely available.
Turbine rc jet flying has become a big thing in recent years and there are some spectacular models around, but this aspect of the hobby is not for the novice! Endless hours of flying experience and an impressive budget are needed to actively participate in flying models with real gas turbines.
Even the smaller model jet engines can cost upwards of a thousand dollars - and that's on top of the cost of the jet itself, radio gear and all the other bits needed. So it's serious business indeed, but ultimately has to be one of the most rewarding ways of enjoying rc flying... if you can afford it!
Model gas turbines are also used in larger scale helicopters, but from a personal point of view I don't find these too realistic because of the sound - rc helicopters running on a turbine sound more like jets than helicopters (again, just a personal opinion!).
Shown right is a JetCat model turbine, one of the more popular commercially produced model jet engines readily available. JetCat USA are at the forefront of this remarkable technology and offer some excellent turbine units.
Pre model jet engines, rc jets have always lacked the authenticity of having a true gas turbine until recent years; previously jets needed to be powered by either gas or electric motors with a propeller (thus spoiling the look of the aircraft) or noisy ducted fan and 'pulse jets' (which are more rocket motors than anything else). But now they can be powered by a fully functional and realistic looking jet turbine, thanks to manufacturers like JetCat!
A model jet engine design can vary from one manufacturer to another, but they all work on the same basic principle. The most common type nowadays is the centrifugal flow turbine, as opposed to the lengthier axial flow turbine.
The big difference between centrifugal and axial flow turbines is in the stage of compression. In a centrifugal flow unit, air entering the turbine is thrown outwards as it passes over the spinning impeller. The air hits against the inside of the can and so is compressed greatly before passing into the combustion chamber. This intense compression increases the pressure and hence temperature of the air, making it more effective when it mixes with the fuel.
The fuel, which is nearly always kerosene ('Jet A1'), is introduced into the combustion chamber as a very fine mist, and so mixes easily with the now highly compressed air. This fuel/air mixture is then ignited by a small glow plug, much the same as the one found on a 2 or 4 stroke model airplane engine.
As the fuel/air mixture ignites and explodes within the chamber, the coned shape of the chamber forces it rearwards towards the turbines. The turbines accelerate the velocity of the passing gases and increase the pressure of them too. The gases (exhaust) finally get squeezed through the narrowing jet pipe at the very rear of the engine, exiting at great speed and pressure, thus generating the high levels of thrust.
The turbines are connected to the front impeller by way of a main shaft, so that they power the impeller as they spin.
The drawing below shows the basic principle of a centrifugal flow model jet engine:
Model jet engines need to be started with compressed air to initially power-up the turbine. This can be supplied from a diver's oxygen tank or a similar source. Only when the compressor has reached the necessary revolutions per minute (RPM) can the fuel be introduced into the chamber and the engine operate normally.
Model jet engine reading
Gas Turbine Engines for Model Aircraft
"I found the book easy to follow and I've found that Kurt Schreckling and Keith Thomas have made an excellent job of bringing the complexities of the gas turbine to a level the average person can understand and learn from..." (Amazon customer review).
Model Jet Engines
"Until I saw this book I didn't believe it would be possible for an amateur to build a jet engine, capable of running at 100,000 rpm . Kamps book explains clearly how, with a reasonably well equipped workshop, a model engineer can build an efficient working jet engine..." (Amazon customer review).
Search for more model jet engine books
Related pages
RC jets - a look at some simple examples to get you started.
Model airplane engines - the different types of IC engines used.
