Model jets take various forms. The definition is a very loose one and basically includes all radio controlled model aircraft that model full size jets, or sport aircraft that are powered by a real jet turbine engine.

PSS

You can fly model gliders than look like jets but these have to be flown off slopes in a rising mass of air as they do not generate enough lift to fly in thermals alone.

Prop Jets

The next class are jet shaped models with a propeller mounted on the front or rear powered by either an electric motor or a 2 stroke engine. Any modeller who has operated RC models before and learnt to fly could easily progress to these models.

Ducted Fan

The next class is the ducted fan, a jet shaped model powered by an internal electric motor (or 2 stroke engine) and fan combination. These fans turn at high speed and generate thrust without any outward appearance problems like propellers. They start with small foam models and increase in size and cost up to models in the region of 60 plus inches in length. It is possible to archive speeds in the region of 130 mph with this class and they are not for the inexperienced.

Turbines

The ultimate jet model is powered by a miniature turbine engine. Both scale and sport models operate in this class. These models tend to be larger in size but can be smaller if desired. A wide range of turbines are available on the market to power these models with size and cost varying widely. Models in this class have been clocked at speeds in excess of 250mph. The scale models include features such as opening canopy, speed brakes, wheel brakes, air brakes, navigation lights, retracting undercarriages with undercarriage doors sequenced as per the full size, and even smoke systems to add that something extra to an aerobatic display. Definitely requiring very experienced pilots these models have landing speeds ranging from 30mph to 50mph and cover a lot of sky during flight. The turbine engine sounds exactly like a full size jet engine and this adds the final element necessary to represent a scale jet. This has lead to almost every scale jet that flies at competitions being turbine powered.

For further information and a photographic gallery visit www.nijets.com