The RC Jet Turbine Engine for Helicopters.

The RC jet turbine is a type of RC jet that can be successfully used in the RC helicopter. How it works and tips on selection along with links to related sites.

RC jet powered RC helicopters are now a perfectly practical ( but quite expensive! ) proposition. The unit is very similar to that used for turboprop model jet engines, with one difference- the gear reduction box has a 90 degree shaft output.

This puts the drive shaft in the same position as a conventionally powered RC helicopter. In fact, some manufacturers are offering RC turbine power as an option to the well known types, like gas, nitro or electric power.

Note that the output shaft is pointing upwards, for connection to the helicopter main and tail rotors.

You will also notice that this RC jet turbine is a 2-stage unit. This arrangement is about 80% more efficient than a single stage unit and is highly recommended.

2-stage turbo model jet engines are more expensive than single stage models but are the way to go today, for helicopters and turboprops

The 2-stage concept is explained in more detail on this page, Model Jet Engines.

The first stage of these engines are identical to the micro turbine used in fixed wing RC jets and are explained in more detail, on the page "RC Jet Engines Simplified"

Performance.

Below you will find the performance specifications for the Wren 44 Helicopter package.

Power 6.8hp
Diameter 3.4in
Length 12in
Engine Weight 46oz
Ancillaries Weight 8.5oz
Gearbox output RPM range 4000 - 15000 RPM

As you can see this is quite a powerful package and should be able to fly a lager helicopter easily. The Bergen RC 44 Magnum has a weight of 13.5LB and a rotor diameter of 720mm.

Now this model is capable of 3D aerobatics and a scale model would be a little larger and heavier.

This photo shows the interior construction of the Magnum 44.

Note that the turbine is facing rearwards!. This helps with balancing the RC helicopter and also gives some protection in the event of contact with terra firma- it happens to all of us, at some point!

The JetCat Turbine.

JetCat Turbines offer a wide range of RC jet turbines, for aerobatic as well as scale RC helicopters. These models are available, in North America, from 2 distributors-

This photo shows the JetCat SPH5. This is a 2-stage turbine and note the fan mounted to the gearbox.This keeps the temperature to reasonable levels.

This RC jet turbine produces over 11 HP and can power helicopters with a rotor diameter of 1.8 to 3.2 meters.

Note that the maintenance interval of 50 hours, refers to the period when the unit should be returned to the manufacturer for service. This usually means replacement of the main bearings.These ceramic units are subject to extremely high RPMs and temperatures and it is amazing they last as long as they do! The cost of replacement is about $100 each-but check with the supplier for more accurate costs.

Return from this page "The RC Jet Turbine for RC Helicopters" to the page "RC Helicopters".

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	The RC Jet Turbine Engine for Helicopters. The RC jet turbine is a type of RC jet that can be successfully used in the RC helicopter. How it works and tips on selection along with links to related sites. Photo shows the Wren 44 helicopter unit. RC jet powered RC helicopters are now a perfectly practical ( but quite expensive! ) proposition. The unit is very similar to that used for turboprop model jet engines, with one difference- the gear reduction box has a 90 degree shaft output. This puts the drive shaft in the same position as a conventionally powered RC helicopter. In fact, some manufacturers are offering RC turbine power as an option to the well known types, like gas, nitro or electric power. The Photo above shows another view of the Wren 44 helicopter unit.. Note that the output shaft is pointing upwards, for connection to the helicopter main and tail rotors. You will also notice that this RC jet turbine is a 2-stage unit. This arrangement is about 80% more efficient than a single stage unit and is highly recommended. 2-stage turbo model jet engines are more expensive than single stage models but are the way to go today, for helicopters and turboprops The 2-stage concept is explained in more detail on this page, Model Jet Engines. The first stage of these engines are identical to the micro turbine used in fixed wing RC jets and are explained in more detail, on the page "RC Jet Engines Simplified" Performance. Below you will find the performance specifications for the Wren 44 Helicopter package. Power 6.8hp Diameter 3.4in Length 12in Engine Weight 46oz Ancillaries Weight 8.5oz Gearbox output RPM range 4000 - 15000 RPM As you can see this is quite a powerful package and should be able to fly a lager helicopter easily. The Bergen RC 44 Magnum has a weight of 13.5LB and a rotor diameter of 720mm. Now this model is capable of 3D aerobatics and a scale model would be a little larger and heavier. This photo shows the interior construction of the Magnum 44. Note that the turbine is facing rearwards!. This helps with balancing the RC helicopter and also gives some protection in the event of contact with terra firma- it happens to all of us, at some point! The JetCat Turbine. JetCat Turbines offer a wide range of RC jet turbines, for aerobatic as well as scale RC helicopters. These models are available, in North America, from 2 distributors- East Coast Scale Helicopters. Eastern Helicopters Vario Canada. This photo shows the JetCat SPH5. This is a 2-stage turbine and note the fan mounted to the gearbox.This keeps the temperature to reasonable levels. This RC jet turbine produces over 11 HP and can power helicopters with a rotor diameter of 1.8 to 3.2 meters. Note that the maintenance interval of 50 hours, refers to the period when the unit should be returned to the manufacturer for service. This usually means replacement of the main bearings.These ceramic units are subject to extremely high RPMs and temperatures and it is amazing they last as long as they do! The cost of replacement is about $100 each-but check with the supplier for more accurate costs. Return from this page "The RC Jet Turbine for RC Helicopters" to the page "RC Helicopters". Return to the Home page "RC Airplanes Simplified".	*welcome_includes.shtml QUESTIONNAIRE Tell us the information you would like to see on this site! Related Pages RC Electric Helicopters. The Nitro RC Helicopter. The RC Quadrocopter Scale RC Helicopters. Micro Helicopters The RC Turbine Helicopter Simplified. Gas RC Helicopters Turboprop Model Jet Engines Explained RC Jet Engines Simplified.
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