Glider + mini jet engines = Darn cool!

[LePaul]

Cool guy, posted on our Yahoogroup a while ago...


Just to set the record straight, I am the owner, designer and pilot of
the twin jet sailplane (glider). It is powered by 2 AMT-USA AT-450
engines, which produce 45 lb thrust each. AMT-USA is not the same
company as AMT Netherlands, although they do share common roots. Not
sure how similar the engines are to the AMT-NL Olympus, as it's been
several years since the split.

Airframe is an Alisport Silent (12 meter span), which originally had a
28 HP 2-stroke engine with a single blade prop. Empty weight with the
jets is 388 lb. Fuel capacity is 11 gallons (US), which is good for
30 minutes at full power, or nearly 1 hour at 100 knot cruise (at
10,000 ft). Climb is almost 500 ft/min at 70 knots (STP).

My longest powered flight so far has been 52 minutes. Flight profile
was a self-launch from 6200' elevation airport, 2000' climb and 100
knot cruise. Typical takeoff weight with me, full fuel and wingtip
pyro is about 650 lb (not sure where someone got 1000+ lb number).

The engines weigh only 5 lb each, and the entire engine pylon is fully
retractable. All engine operation (start, run shutdown, cooling) is
controlled by a computer (ECU). Throttle is total fly-by-wire.

Not only does this plane self-launch, but I do a full low-level jet
powered aerobatic show with it.


Video link

[Wolfala]

I just want a pair of those engines on my bike.

Or hell - i'll even stick them on the trunk of my Acura TSX just to have some sort of jet sound going on.

[Maverick]

Be interesting to see film of it from the ground. The in cockpit was OK but I'd rather see more or the plane and it's performance.

[nirvana]

Shweeeeet.