Dan Brunson’s Horizon Hobbies F-4 Phantom(above left) blasts through the clouds looking for MiGs. Great looking, great flying and a certified attention grabber. It’s a fantastic addition to the 6S lineup of jets! The problem with grey
be used (for something other than holding the cabinet down as mine are doing), and al- lowing him to experiment with a Change Sun 90mm fan unit. There is a lot of buzz on the internet edf forums about this manufac- turer, and the sound that the fans produce, especially since they are not just inexpen- sive, but cheap.
Unfortunately, the beautiful sound that Aaron’s Sabre was making as it passed me on its take-off roll was short lived, since it threw all of its blades, resulting in a hard landing off field. The airplane will fly anoth- er day (as I mentioned, it’s tough!) but a lot of time and effort by Aaron went down the drain.
Ed Vals also wanted to see what the fuss was about with the Change Sun 120mm fan since his many year old twin Dynamax pow- ered A-10 needs more powerful fan units. Unfortunately, his self-destructed at low power, and he is still finding shrapnel in his garage. Seeing both of these fans explode, and remembering the photos and thread about the fellow almost losing his eye last year on a hybrid system, I think I’m sticking with the name brands! Experimentation is an enjoyable part of the hobby, but let’s all be safe out there!
Over the last few months I’ve mentioned
airplanes is that they turn ... well, grey when not in good light. Dan Brunson’s Phantom(above right) departs on a sortie, while getting ready for a fast turn to get the light behind us.
some of the newer edf units on the market, from the relatively inexpensive JetFan to the high end Shubeler, yet the turbine man- ufacturers have not been sitting idly by ei- ther! Jets Munt (from Spain) introduced an engine this year with essentially everything located under the front cover to make instal- lation simple and cleaner. KingTech (from Taiwan) has now introduced an entirely new line of turbines with similar features, and most of the other manufacturers are also tweaking their offerings. Competition is a wonderful thing!
Recently, I had several conversations with Ron Ballard at Wren-USA, and un- covered some neat things that they have been working on for the last few years, as well as a little history. First run with a wooden compressor, the original MW54 was produced as a plans-built engine for the home builder in the late 1990s, initial- ly producing 8–10 pounds of thrust. Then, in 2001 the MkI kit appeared and, through various improvements, the same case, compressor and turbine wheel size now produces 22 pounds (100N) of thrust, as the Wren 100.
Now, following two years of development, and with a new internal design (but keeping the same size), Wren introduces the Wren 75
Jubilee, which is an 18-pound thrust engine (replacing both the Wren 70 and Super Sport). The engine features a new, internal, user accessible kero-burner, and has the thrust ring machined into the case. (Fewer parts, new internals and increased thrust ... sounds like typical, understated Wren to me!) Additionally, next April will mark the 10th year in production of the Wren 44, the first super-small turbojet. Originally made to replace a .45 size ducted fan it now makes more thrust than the .90 and the original, plans version MW54!
Also, we will see the introduction of the new Wren 140. It is a 31-pound thrust, small footprint, 4-inch diameter engine that will be introduced late this fall, to replace the Wren 120. It will feature the Jubilee styling, quiet exhaust cone and the special kero-burner. For the future, the new Wren 180+ (40
pounds of thrust) is planned for introduction in Spring 2013 to replace the current 160. It features a new design throughout, with the special Wren burner and quiet exhaust. Having built two of the plans built versions, all I can say is: “What an evolution in the company!”
Well, I’m out of space, so until next time: keep busy with your building projects, fly safe, and trust in thrust!
Aaron Cooke’s Exceed RC F-86 (above) powered by a Change Sun fan departing for another flight, just seconds before the fan blew up. Though damaged, it is one tough airframe and will fly again. Available as an airframe- only option, experimenting with fan and motor combinations is easy. Ed Vall’s Change Sun 120mm fan in ruins (at right) following a low power runup. Experimentation is good for the hobby, but remember to be careful, since catastrophically destructive events can happen in the blink of an eye.
Florida Jets Tucson Jet Rally FLYING MODELS Feb. 27–March 2 March 8–10
2013 Upcoming Events Paradise Field, Lakeland, FL
TIMPA Field, Tucson, AZ
CD: Frank Tiano, 863-607-6611
www.franktiano.com
www.tucsonwarbirds.com (registration)
www.timpa.org (map)
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