This Page Under Construction. Last update 12 July 2006
Due to the high volume of e-mails I've been getting, it's becoming increasingly difficult to answer each set of questions individually.
This page includes some of the most frequently asked questions, and answers. Please understand that answers to some of the more detailed questions may be considered proprietary. Please review this website before e-mailing questions.
Thanks for all the compliments and encouragement!
Q: Can the jet sailplane really self-launch with those tiny engines?
A: Yes! In fact it has self-launched many times from Bob's home field at an elevation of 6200' MSL. It has self-launched with a density altitude as high as 10,000'.
Q: What is its climb rate?
A: Climb rate (at sea level) approaches 500 feet per minute.
Q: Can it maintain altitude on one engine?
Yes. It has been flown around the pattern on one engine.
Q: Aren't these engines just model engines?
A: Not really. While it is true that AMT-USA started out making engines primarily for model airplanes, they have also provided engines for many
other applications, such as military UAVs and NASA test vehicles. AMT-USA has produced literally thousands of small turbine engines with thrust ranging from 12
to 150 pounds.
Q: Can the engines be re-started in flight?
A: Yes. While this aircraft was designed specifically for airshow flying (with no onboard start equipment),
the engines have been successfully re-started in flight by windmilling. Windmill starting requires the pilot to fly specific speeds (30-70 knots) during different
portions of the start sequence. Future iterations will include onboard electric start equipment, allowing "one-touch" starting.
Q: I've seen websites showing bigger engines. Why aren't you using these?
A: The internet is loaded with sites showing various turbine engines. Many of these are garage projects, and are a far cry from being ready for service in a real
aircraft. Some are only mockups cleverly photographed and advertised as "available soon". Some are converted APUs, and are much to big and heavy for a sailplane.
Some manufacturers refuse to discuss using their engines in manned aircraft. As of this writing, the AMT-USA AT-450 is the most powerful, most reliable micro turbine available.
Q: How much fuel can you carry, and how long will it last?
A: I currently carry 11 gallons of jet-A. It is good for just over 30 minutes at climb power, or about 1 hour at cruise power.
Q: Do you think I could put jets on my sailplane (or ultralight, trike, etc ...)?
A: Until larger engines are available, the parameters for a successful micro turbine manned aircraft are fairly narrow. Low drag and light weight are critical! Most standard 15 meter sailplanes are too heavy for self-launching with the engines currently available.
Q: If I put these (or similar) engines on my sailplane (or ultralight, trike, etc ...), can you tell me what climb/cruise performance will I get?
A: This project has taken several years and thousands of dollars to complete. I consider most of my performance calculations proprietary. If you are serious about mounting turbines on another airframe, and you have calculated climb/cruise performance, I would be happy to compare of your performance calculations to mine to see if you are in the ballpark. I would also consider working as a consultant on any jet project.
Q: My motorglider (or ultralight, trike, etc ...) currently has a prop that produces X pounds of thrust. Won't a jet engine with similar thrust give me similar performance?
A: Absolutely not! Static thrust is only one of many parameters that must be considered when converting a prop aircraft to jets. Jet aircraft (even gliders) fly subtantially different in many ways than their prop powered counterparts. Underestimating the subtle - but important - differences between props and jets could prove dangerous or fatal!
Q: Is the jet sailplane avialable to purchase?
A: While I do intend to offer jet aircraft designs in the near future, I am currently not offering the jet sailplane to the public. Check back occasionally for further developments.
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