[Helijet]

Hi Everyone

This new thread is all about converting the latest generation foam EDF jets to turbine. As larger jets and turbines become increasingly complex and expensive, there has been huge interest in developing models that one person could easily transport and not require a second mortgage to build. Companies like Freewing, FMS, Avios, Sebart are investing heavily in 90mm ( ducted fan size ) size models that lend themselves to successful turbine conversions.

Kingtech, Lambert and Xicoy are the current major players in the manufacturing of small 5-10 lb thrust turbines. Typically, these engines use 3 oz or less of fuel / minute. A 24 oz tank will provide a comfortable 7-8 minutes of mixed throttle enjoyment.

Aircraft such as the Freewing Avanti, Avios Mig 17 have shown to be very capable of flying off of short ( ie 500 ft ) grass runways providing opportunities for modelers not fortunate to have long paved runways.

So, lets start seeing some of your projects, share your experiences and enjoy this rapidly growing segment of turbine modeling.

Dean W.

[HAL9KPCM]

While not an EDF conversion, and it will probably be a few years before I actually get to it, I did acquire two old House of Balsa F-86 Sabre's that were originally designed for a 3.5cc glow engine. I've read several build threads where people converted them to EDF with a flying weight of 7lbs and 5-5.5lbs of thrust with great success. I think with the Lambert T20 or T25, I can come in under (or at least match) that 7lbs and match the thrust making for a cool little jet that can fit in the car one piece as it's only a 42" wing span. LOTS of room in the body for equipment as it's almost 5" diameter at the wing saddle.

[Helijet]

Over the years I built several F86. 2 BVM, was given a Yellow Aircraft prototype and Jet Hangar. I like the F86. The Jet Hangar ( 50 inch ) was a decent flyer with a RAM 500. It was heavy at 13 lbs. With a small Lambert I see no reason why the 7 lb HOB would not be a good candidate.

dw

[JETcro]

There's few jets in my hangar that I wouldn't mind to convert in to turbine like freewing yak 130 witch is too heavy for 6-8s setup and bearly getting 3min flights or hsd F16
Definitely something to think about😕

[Pauld]

Other than the realism of a Turbine, the biggest benefit I can see to this is the flight time. EDF set-ups have really advanced in so many ways but they still lack flying time. 3 min is just not enough....

PaulD

[Pauld]

This is what Dean told me he’s putting in his conversions. Amazing specs

https://www.jetsmuntusa.com/products/xicoy-x45

PaulD

[Efliteman785]

I agree I own the mig 17 by hobbyking its setup on 6s is not enough flight time I'm think 8s or turbine configuration same with my l39 only thing is it will fly way faster yet your flight envelope gets smaller as speed and size dont combine the mig 17 is perfect for that but it depends cause I hear stories where flight time is nearly the same edf or turbine in the model because the l39 is very light and the mig well it's big enough but the fuselage is limited will have to make some major body changes in order to run it with a turbine sounds like fun watch my channel on YouTube farmermanRoes I have one vid of the mig 17 maiden but the landing I slowed down before landing but it bounced as the gear isnt that big its smaller then the freewing l39

[Helijet]

I have put a Kingtech 60 in the HSD F16. It flys well but it is a bit heavy for the small airframe. The EDF version flys better overall IMO. There comes a point when weight exceeds the abilities of airframe / gear. There are successful combinations that I hope will be posted here. As for recent airframes... the Avios Mig 17 has seen good success with the KT 30 / X45. That is one project I will be starting soon. It will be fitted with a 24 oz tank that will give a good 7 minutes of flying. 30N of thrust will make it perform like a really strong 8S. The boys in California have had excellent success with the Freewing 80mm L39 and 90mm F22. I have an F22 that I will try converting over as well. The question is a straight pipe or asymmetric ? I have some contacts in Europe who have done both. There is also the Freewing 80 mm Avanti. It has been successfully converted to a P20, KT 30 and X45. Just something to think about for now....

Efliteman785...I am not sure what hobbyking mig you have but the one most are talking about is the Avios Mig 17 which is 90mm. The Freewing L39 is 80mm. I have both and the Mig 17 is definitely bigger. Both fly awesome though in edf form...

[flyloose]

What is an asymmetric pipe?

[JETcro]

Originally Posted by flyloose

What is an asymmetric pipe?

Curved or not straight