Jet Turbines

The new jet turbines are making a regular appearance on the Academy Flying field. As well as the new Graupner Variable thrustHarpoon jet there are regular appearances by HotSpots and other jets

The variable thrust Graupner jet with titanium deflector in place

Click on images
for a closer look

Technical data:
Thrust:	17lb @ 117,000 RPM
Weight:	2.9lb, including starter
Diameter:	4.4 inches
RPM Range:	35,000 – 117,000
Exhaust gas temperature:	5800C
Fuel consumption:	8.1oz/min at full power
Fuel:	Jet A1, 1 -K kerosene
Lubrication:	5% synthetic oil mixed in the fuel
Maintenance interval:	50 hours

Not to be outdone by the father figure Ryan has also taken delivery of  a new Graupner Harpoon jet. Can’t wait to see the formation flying from that pair!

The modern jets use approximately 2 litres of inexpensive paraffin-type fuel on a 10-12 minute flight. However as can be seen from the installation shot here there is still plenty of space to put the radio and safety equipment. Because of the speed and weight of these machines they regularly carry back-up battery and radio systems, and all the Academy flyers fully charge the Tx and Rx batteries before every flight

JETCAT P80
Self  Starting Minature Turbojet
Without Compressed Air – Without External Starting Equipment

Features:

Fully automatic turbine start-up by a command from the R/C transmitter, without external connections.
Turbine starts without compressed air or fans. Automatic cooling when the turbine is shut off.
Precision ceramic ball bearings for low maintenance operation.
High performance turbine wheel. 100% tested.
Integrated glow driver, with seperate function to check the glow plug.
Turbine supervision and regulation assisted by measurement of RPM and gas temperature.
Multi – stage electronic system checking for reliable operation.
Connection to the R/C system via 2 receiver channels (throttle and three – position switch).
Rapid throttle response time.
Programmable minimum and maximum RPM within the allowable range.
The fully automatic start – up and running proceedure minimizes operator handling faults that could result in damaging the turbine.
Plain text display of the current running parameters for example:
Exhaust gas temperature, RPM, fuel consumption, remaining fuel, last run time, total run time, battery voltage, turbine condition, reason for last shut down etc…

Functions of the Jet-tronic ECU
The Jet-tronic Electronic Control Unit is a state-of-the-art microprocessor control system for operating the JetCat 80. The ECU tremendously simplifies start up and assures safe turbine operation. When hazardous situations are detected, the ECU attempts to correct the problem or shut off the turbine. The precision fuel pump control utilizes a PID servo filter, which compensates for changing battery voltage/altitude and fuel flow restrictions. Regardless of conditions, the ECU will maintain minimum and maximum turbine RPM within safe limits. ECU connection is achieved via two receiver channels. Power up your receiver, and the ECU automatically switches on. No extra power switch is needed.
Display and programming device (GSU)
The Ground Support Unit (GSU) features a illuminated 2 – lines by 16 – character alphanumeric LCD display. In addition there are 10 switches and 4 control LED’s. The GSU can be connected to the ESU for monitoring the turbine, displaying statistical information or to alter running parameters. All parameters are displayed in clear text through a series of menus.
Running parameters includes:
Exhaust gas temperature, RPM, Pump voltage, etc…
Statistical data includes:
Total fuel consumption, Total turbine time, Maximum RPM, Number of starts, Run time, Fuel consumption, Battery voltage, Flight speed etc…
JetCat P80 includes:
JetCat P80 turbine complete with starter.
Jet-tronic ECU (fuel control electronics).
GSU (Display and Programmer).
LED I/O board.
Minature fuel pump.
Electronic starting gas valve.
Electronic Fuel valve.
Fuel tubing, connector set, filters and cables.
6 cell 1250mA battery pack.
Starting gas tank.
Turbine mounting clamp, RamTec compatable.
Detailed instruction manual.

Functions of the Jet-tronic ECU

The Jet-tronic Electronic Control Unit is a state-of-the-art microprocessor control system for operating the JetCat 80. The ECU tremendously simplifies start up and assures safe turbine operation. When hazardous situations are detected, the ECU attempts to correct the problem or shut off the turbine. The precision fuel pump control utilizes a PID servo filter, which compensates for changing battery voltage/altitude and fuel flow restrictions. Regardless of conditions, the ECU will maintain minimum and maximum turbine RPM within safe limits. ECU connection is achieved via two receiver channels. Power up your receiver, and the ECU automatically switches on. No extra power switch is needed.

Display and programming device (GSU)

The Ground Support Unit (GSU) features a illuminated 2 – lines by 16 – character alphanumeric LCD display. In addition there are 10 switches and 4 control LED’s. The GSU can be connected to the ESU for monitoring the turbine, displaying statistical information or to alter running parameters. All parameters are displayed in clear text through a series of menus.

Running parameters includes:

Exhaust gas temperature, RPM, Pump voltage, etc…

Statistical data includes:

Total fuel consumption, Total turbine time, Maximum RPM, Number of starts, Run time, Fuel consumption, Battery voltage, Flight speed etc…

JetCat P80 includes:

JetCat P80 turbine complete with starter.

Jet-tronic ECU (fuel control electronics).

GSU (Display and Programmer).

LED I/O board.

Minature fuel pump.

Electronic starting gas valve.

Electronic Fuel valve.

Fuel tubing, connector set, filters and cables.

6 cell 1250mA battery pack.

Starting gas tank.

Turbine mounting clamp, RamTec compatable.

Detailed instruction manual.

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Options:

The optional air speed sensor can limit the turbine thrust to restrict the maximum flight speed. The pilot can also place the system into the “Speed control” mode, in which the Jet-tronic regulates the flight speed of the model automatically. It regulates the speed like a cruise control in a car i.e. the pilot sets the desired flight speed with the throttle stick. The regulation of the turbine thrust is then controlled by the Jet-tronic ECU automatically. After the landing, both the maximum and average flight speeds can be displayed with the GSU.

Using the optional RS-232 serial interface and Windows^TM – hosted software, the Jet-tronic ECU can be linked to a computer. The data – logger function of the ECU samples once per second, for up tp 25 minutes, for downloading operational data (temperature, RPM, throttle position, pump voltage, airspeed etc…). This software also allows the operator to start and stop the turbine with a click of the mouse.