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.