New jet products
by Jim Hiller
jetmodeler@earthlink.net
This past summer was another good one for jet modeling. Jet meets were plentiful and enjoyable, with new products and services on the turbine scene. Jet modeling continues to grow, and with some of the new products, it is getting even better.
Let’s start with the changes to KingTech Turbines. KingTech has developed its own in-house electronics, replacing the well-established Xicoy controllers the company previously used. By the time this column is published, all KingTech turbines should be shipping with the new electronics.
KingTech brought a preproduction unit to Jets Over Kentucky Week, held in Lebanon, Kentucky, July 10-17, to show off product improvements. The installed turbine setup is similar to the existing setup, so not much changes for the pilot—until you pick up the ground support unit.
The display is now a full-color touchscreen similar to a small cellphone. This display change allows more information to be viewed on each screen, so the user can be more aware of the operation of his or her turbine. This is important during startup because all parameters can easily be seen on one screen. It’s very nice.
KingTech now controls the software development, so new features are being added. An example is the ability to set up the electronic control unit in a glider mode, which allows in-flight turbine restarts. This is a wonderful feature when thermals are not panning out.
Another feature that is being developed is in-flight auto restart capability. Should an air bubble shut down a turbine, it can immediately and automatically restart using a shortened start sequence—getting the turbine running again within seconds and allowing the flight to continue to a safe power-on landing.
KingTech is also working with radio systems to offer telemetry for major radio brands. This telemetry compatibility will continue to grow, and radio manufacturers need to participate in this to allow for full features.
Electronics aren’t the only work going on at KingTech. The company is going through its full line of turbines and improving their performances. This includes the smaller turbines, with promises of stepping them up nearly one full performance level. These power improvements in the smaller, lightweight turbines reduce an airplane’s weight and performance, which is cool.
With all of these production items being brought in house, the plan for pricing is becoming aggressive. It’s great for consumers because the cost of flying jets will decrease.
Foam Jets
How about another new direction in turbine models? Foam jets. Yes, turbine-powered foam jets are available as ARFs. Merely add a receiver, batteries, and a turbine!
Global Jet Club has a TurboFoam Super Viper sport jet and an F-16 available, and USA RC Jets has a Futura Foam TAFT sport jet, so take your pick. They are reasonably priced.
These jets are flying well with 60-newton turbines—roughly 12 to 14 pounds of thrust. They come complete with a foam airframe, servos, retracts, gear sequencer, thrust tube, and fuel tanks with an Ultimate Air Trap. Assembly takes four to eight hours, including the time to install your turbine, receiver, batteries, and complete the final setup.
These jets are not an off-the-cuff joke; they have been flown all summer by pilots of all skill levels, and have performed and held up well. I even saw the Global Jet Club foam F-16 perform a high-alpha landing to an abrupt arrival that flexed it enough to blow the canopy off. The pilot taxied back, refueled, latched the canopy back on, and flew again with no damage to the airframe or landing gear. It was impressive.
I have approximately 20 flights on a Futura Foam jet powered by an old JetCat P60. What a fun, low-pressure jet. It’s great for everyday practice flying. It rolls on a rail, and is capable of looping maneuvers including outside loops. I have enjoyed flying it.
This airplane has had no problems and shows no signs of wear. It is surprising how well it has held up. Plans for USA RC Jets include upping the power to a Jet Central Super Bee with 18 pounds of thrust, but with the same turbine size. New turbines offer more power, which is one of the turbine improvements made throughout the years.
Global Jet Club is importing an Ace 60 turbine from Taiwan to power these foam jets. The Ace 60 is part of a new line of turbines, and the rollout with the .60-size turbine is going well. The turbines are equipped with a nice electronics package that offers some interesting features, including in-flight auto restart should an air bubble shut down the turbine. All of these foam jets have nice, well-thought-out fuel systems.
Dreamworks Model Products
I need to mention some of the things going on at Dreamworks Model Products. The company is not sitting still. Dreamworks has picked up the JetCat USA service, which supports JetCat turbine owners and has been well received. The company is established, has begun supporting the community, and reportedly gives good results. Keep up the good work.
That’s not all that the people at Dreamworks are doing. They continue to expand the product lines they carry—truly supporting our modeling needs. An example of this is the Pro-Link Genesis 40 electric retract landing gear system. This system is a rugged landing gear set that comes with a Xicoy retract and brake controller. You might as well step over to electric brakes while using these units. The struts and brakes are available separately to match your needs.
Regardless of what type or size of model you are flying, the state-of-the-art electric brakes are a nice addition to any aircraft. Even tail-draggers can benefit because electric brake controllers can come equipped with a gyro for brake and steering control.
Check out the Dreamworks Model Products website. The company has a large selection of systems available.
Jets Over the Heartland
I went to some fun jet events this past summer, but one in particular was great to come back to—Jets Over the Heartland in Winamac, Indiana. Tim Redelman and his crew continue to put on an enjoyable get-together with an emphasis on fun. We flew all day, had great weather and an unreal flying site, and were welcomed by the club.
Early in the week of June 20-26, the grill was rolled out, and every night the food was excellent, plentiful, and shared with great camaraderie.
One night after dinner, the lights were turned on and Control Line (CL) flying began. Tim showed off his skills as an accomplished CL pilot with a complete aerobatics routine. A vintage Cox PT-19 was then brought out for anyone volunteering to try to fly.
This model was flown for hours as we relived our childhoods. Many of us started out flying CL, and it was surprising how much we had forgotten. There were plenty of takers and great laughs for all. In my case, my first memories of flying were with a Cox PT-19, and I probably last flew CL before I was a teenager.
Thanks to all who helped make the experience possible. I look forward to returning next year.
SOURCES:
Jet Pilots’ Organization (JPO)
www.jetpilots.org
KingTech Turbines
(626) 793-4677
www.kingtechturbines.com
Global Jet Club
(866) 959-6888
www.globaljetclub.com
USA RC Jets
(330) 503-3160
www.usarcjets.com
Dreamworks Model Products
(386) 852-4793
www.dreamworksrc.com
