The need for speed!

Radio controlled model jets are considered by many RC pilots as the most exciting and exhilarating of any remote control airplane that a person can fly. These models can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and the turbine models have been clocked at over 250 mph, therefore they are not for the beginner or the faint hearted, you could get seriously injured if you don't know what you are doing.

So you are an experienced Rc pilot and you want to fly jets, how do you get started? The first step is to learn about the different types of RC jets that are available, and what type of engine powers them. Basically there are three main classes of model jet:

1. Propjets
2. Ducted fans
3. Turbine,

Your choice of model will be determined by your level of skill and by how big your pocket is!!
i.e. (some models can cost over £5000).

Prop jets (Front mounted)
Propjets are by far one of the most cost effective forms of jet flying, with the average kit costing around £250 and using standard engines and radio gear. Most experience jet pilot have started with a propjet to learn the basic concepts of jet flying and even competition turbine pilots, use these type of jets to practice flying routines and new manoeuvres. There are many models on the market to choose from such as, Cermark's F16, F18, Vmar's Mig 21,F4,A4,F5,F18 Great Planes F15,F4, Hanger 9 F22, West wings Hawk, Mig 29, Tornado and Vampire. There are many other manufactures who produce many fine kits and ARTF models to many to list here.

Propjets (Rear mounted-pusher)
Another type of jet is the rear engine mounted model, commonly called 'a pusher prop jet', basically the engine is placed at the rear of the model, hidden from sight, giving the model a more scale and streamline appearance, however the flying and operation of these types of model require careful attention e.g. over heating engines and prop damage on take off, are common problems. There are a few well known kits available such as, G&P F18, Combat Models F16, F18, A10, however most of the model in this range, come from plans.

Propjets (electric)
The last propjet that we will consider in this section is the electric jet. This type of jet has become very popular with the average club flyer due to the low cost and simple operation of the models. A complete kit ready to fly, can be purchased for under £100, and with the big developments in light powerful batteries and high speed electric motor, small jets can reach speeds of 50mph. There are many kits available, mostly made from foam to reduce weight, such as, Express flight, F14,F15,F16, Green plac F14, Top Gun Hawk, to name a few.

Ducted Fan
In the 1980's and early 90's, ducted fan jets where the most popular type of model used by jets pilots, however with the introduction of turbines, this form of propulsion has become less used in the large jest, however recently there has been a range of smaller ARTF scale jets in the 6.5 cc range coming out of China and the Asian countries with engines fitted. There are still many kits on the market from companies such as Yellow Aircraft, Top Gun, Thorpe Bro,PJP Jets and others, but, new engines e.g. OS 91 and the fan units e.g. Ramtec fan, may not be easy to find as many suppliers have moved onto turbines spares and most don't stock these items any more, however the second hand market is a good place to look with many complete outfits up for sale, just check the items carefully and if possible, see the model fly before you buy!.

The most recent relaunch of ducted fan technology, has come from the influx of light weight electric ARTF models entering the market, some kits even have twin ducted fan units installed at a cost of less than £70. Many big name companies in the modelling world have produced some very fine models with a fantastic performance and price to match, e.g. Ripmax F16, Multpilex Twister, Alfa Models F86, Mig 15, A4 Sky hawk, GWS F15, PN Designs Me 262 and many others. If you want a small high-speed jet at a price, then electric jets would be the way to go, many already have.

Turbine
Last but not least we have turbine ducted powered RC jets, which are as close as you can come to owning a real jet. Turbine engines use real jet fuel and run just like a real jet engine does. For the top gun's who want the realistic jet flying experience, this type of R/C jet is for you. Of course, you need experience flying and operating remote control airplanes before you progress to turbine jets. The speeds of turbine engines are very fast (250+mph) and can actually turn your model jet into a lethal weapon if you can't fly it properly, a jet pilot from Scotland once described it as "when flying jet turbines, they are so fast, that you can't get a credit card between the cheeks of your backside!". Companies such as Jet Cat, Wren, and Graupner, all provide various types of easy start turbines with a good selection of spares and service backup for the jet pilot who wants to get into the air quickly. The turbine used in a model will depend on the size, weight or even scale of the jet in question, usually a model with a good thrust to weight ratio, e.g. (1:1) will fly well. When choosing a turbine, you will be asked by the supplier "how much static thrust do you need your turbine to produce?" usually in pounds, e.g. a Jet cat SE120 turbine, with produce 28lb of static thrust, a jet model weighting 28lb will have a 1:1 ratio, therefore it should fly well, however if you are uncertain, do your research before you buy. Jet models are no different to other types of RC kits, them vary in size and weight, and of course price! The number of ARTF jets available over the counter or direct from the manufacturer, have increased greatly over the last few years. An influx of cheap ARFT models from China and other Asian countries have taken the market by storm, companies such as Sky Master and Fio Beo, produce a large selection of fine scale model jets in the ARTF range, some will even supply a complete model RTF, a few nights work installing your radio equipment and setting up your turbine, and your ready to go.

This article only touches the surface of the sport of RC jet flying, the best way to obtain information, is to visit local clubs, shows and ask experienced jets pilots, how they started and what is a good model and engine to start with, most jet pilots are only to willing to share their knowledge with future jet jockeys, so don't be afraid to ask questions when you get the chance, remember good pilots never stop leaning.