RC MODEL AIRCRAFT ENGINES. THE GAS ENGINE.

IN THE WORLD OF RC MODEL AIRCRAFT ENGINES, THE GAS ENGINE HAS MANY ADVANTAGES.

The ZenoahGT-80 Twin. Click on the Photo for more info or to purchase.
 

DESCRIPTION.

Gasoline powered engines have been available for some time now. A lot of them are converted from chain-saw engines. This may not sound too encouraging, but realize that chainsaws need to be light, powerful and vibration free. The same requirements as those for model aircraft engines!

Gas engines are very reliable and require little support equipment. They are clean running and have a realistic sound. Compared to the larger glow engines, fuel cost is less-even at today's gas prices!

The majority of gas engines use a Walbro carburetor that incorporates a fuel pump. This feature makes the fuel tank placement much less critical, compared to a glow engine.

The carburetor has  high and low speed needle valves as well as a choke.

The ignition system use  a small  spark plug(s) and usually use a sold state system for spark generation.

MAINTENANCE.

The majority of gas engines are 2-strokes so maintenance is at a minimum. The spark plug may need it's gap checked and as always ensure the fuel supply is well filtered.

TYPES AND SIZES AVAILABLE.

The smallest gas engine currently available is of 26cc (1.6 cu.in.) capacity. The largest size, at least in normal large scale models is 150cc(9 cu.in.) Even larger sizes are available for the really big models.

Many are available as single cylinder models but twins and radials are also made. The multi-cylinder units produce less vibration than the single cylinder model aircraft engines.

START AND RUN PROCEDURE.

1. Ensure the model is restrained and stabilized by your helper.
2. Close choke and turnover propeller two or three times, ensuring the engine is not flooded.
3. Turn ignition ON.
4. Ensure throttle is set to LOW.
5. Flip propeller with a gloved hand smartly.
6. Engine should fire once and stop.
7. Open choke.
8. Flip propeller again.
9. Engine should start and run.
10. Adjust high and low speed needle valves, ensuring high speed is not too lean and low speed has a reliable idle.
11. Go fly!   

The great advantage of gas model aircraft engines is that very little support equipment is needed. No glow plug igniter or electric starter is required. Please use a heavy glove to protect your hand and fingers-these engines are not TOYS and can inflict serious injury. Let SAFETY be your PRIORITY!

Note that some gas engines have a spring starter built in that makes the "propeller flipping" that much easier.

The Zenoah GT-80 Twin Cylinder 4.88cu.in.

The 80 features an increased bore diameter, increasing displacement to 80cc’s and boosting horsepower to 5.5. Dual rings on each piston give a superior seal, while the self-contained Quartz ignition gives a reliable spark without the hassles of charging ignition batteries. Starting is a breeze with the rear-mounted spring starter, just wind the prop clockwise one turn then release. This simultaneous firing twin runs so silky smooth from idle to full power, you can forget about vibration- related airframe and electronic problems.

The GT-80 Twin gives unlimited performance for the 24.8 pound Hangar 9 330L Extra. Torque rolls are at 5/8 throttle! A number of GT-80 model aircraft engines have been used in giant scale aerobatic airplanes for IMAC-aerobatic competitions over the past year. Greg Hahn even used the GT-80 in winning the 1999 Scale Masters. One of the biggest advantages that the GT80 offers is its ability to turn larger-than-normal props. Greg used a scale three-bladed, custom- made 24 x 10 on his Dauntless to win the Scale Masters. Aerobatic flyers regularly use up to a 24 x 10 Bolly prop on their models. The 24 x 10 turns 7700 rpm. and hovers and torque rolls a 26-pound aerobatic airplane at just over 1/2 throttle.

Like every Zenoah, you’ll get all this power along with reliability and low-cost, gas-fuel operation. Three year warranty, too. So if you’re looking for a top-notch twin for your Extra 330L, or another giant-scale project you’ve got on the bench, check out Zenoah’s GT-80

FEATURES.

* Ball bearing-supported crankshaft
* One-piece chromed cylinders
* CDI ignition system

This beauty is listed at $799.99 at RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP, Please click on this link to visit their site and may place an order. This engine is IN STOCK at this time.

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