Homemade RC Jet Engine
So, how to make the most powerful RC jet engine. The model jet engine is a scaled-down version of the genuine thing. It’s the same technology that boosts huge aircraft off the ground and moves them through the air. These engines were first developed for model aircraft in the 1980s and they created an immediate sensation on the runway.
For some model aircraft enthusiasts, tiny turbines are now the only way to fly because they look and sound like a real turbojet. It’s a touch of authenticity that can allow the imagination to take off. These mini Jets start with the base plate.
RC Jet Turbine Engine
It’s the piece that all the other turbine parts will be attached to. Automated tools transform a piece of aluminum into an aerodynamic shape. The little blades cut into the perimeter will act as airfoils contributing to lift and thrust. It takes just minutes to go from a metal disk the size of a hockey puck to a precision part.
Next, a craftsman laser welds the seams of a steel canister creating what looks like a large can with holes. This is the jet engine’s combustion chamber. Where a mix of fuel and air will be ignited to drive the turbine. He now inserts a hollow cylinder into the base plate and then presses a fuel distribution ring into the plate with the parts correctly aligned.
He places the assembly on a metal stand. Then, he dips screws in a thread locking compound and drives them into threaded slots in the base plate. This secures and cements the base plate assembly. He now holds the baseplate unit above the combustion chamber while he inserts the tiny fuel delivery tubes into the chamber.
He flips the chamber around to slide the tubes further inside and complete the job. The stator vane pressed onto the other end of the chamber will redirect the flow of gases to the turbine wheel. Now the glow plug is so named because it glows to ignite the fuel inside.
Then, he pops it into a threaded slot on the side of the combustion chamber which is by now encased in an outer shell. He installs the turbine and shaft sliding the shaft into the center cylinder. He supports the shaft on both ends with thrust bearings and washers pressing the parts into place.
Next is the compressor wheel which pressurizes air on its way into the chamber.
727 KMH – 451 MPH
Model Info – RC Speeder “Inferno” full GFK
Engine Info – Turbine Behotec 180
Once installed the compressor wheel spins at a blurring speed and a computer analyzes it for the slightest vibration. Any vibration would signify an imbalance. The technician drills away tiny bits of metal to lighten the area of imbalance the exact spot was pinpointed by the computer.
Then, he gives the compressor wheel another spin again the computer detects a small imbalance and more material must be removed. This process is repeated several times until the compressor wheel is perfectly balanced. Moreover, the computer gives it the green light after that he balances the turbine wheel on the other end of the shaft.
Powerful RC Jet Engine
This mini jet engine is now ready for the starter motor. He installs it on the shaft protruding from the compressor and anchors it with screws. Once in place, it will spin the shaft until enough compressed air is produced to ignite the fuel. this plastic tubing will deliver gas to the engine and oil for lubrication.
He adds a little of the oil for the initial lubrication of the bearings. next, he heats one end with a lighter this makes the plastics supple so it easily fits onto the connector. He wires the starter to a battery and tests the motor.
It works so he snaps an aluminum cover onto the assembly. This model jet engine is ready for the final test lockdown in a test box. They pump fuel into it and bring it up to full throttle. Using computerized equipment, the technician monitors the output and confirms the engine produces an adequate thrust.
That means it’s ready to leave the factory and take flight. In total it takes about 6 hours to make a model jet engine but after that, the sky is the limit.