Florida jets

Model Airplane News, Jul 1999 by Uravitch, Rick

The changing flavor of RIC jet modeling

THIS WAS THE third year for Florida Jets-the second year that I've attended-and all I can say is: my, how the flavor of jets has changed! Many longtime readers of Model Airplane News will recall that this publication broke the ice on jet activity 16 years ago in the July 1983 issue by introducing the "Jet Blast" column, which I was privileged to author. Jets were new; all the propulsion was provided by ducted fans, and some exciting stuff was on the horizon. I frequently traveled to and reported on "fan" meets around the country and around the world. Much of the afterhours activity at these events consisted of "hangar flying," where we'd kick around ideas for new or improved airplanes, fuel systems, retracts, fans and other systems of the time that would inevitably mature and evolve as more fliers used them. Some of us even spoke quietly about miniature gas turbine engines. After all, the only thing that spoiled the illusion of our jet models then was the high-pitched, shrill tone from the piped engines as they unloaded to more than 23K coming downhill.

Well, manufacturers persevered, and with input from "the guys in the field" have brought fan propulsion systems to the point at which they're not likely to improve much; a little here on the reliability, a little there on the longevity but for the most part, we're there. Then how has the flavor of jets changed? If you had been with me at Florida Jets, you'd know. What was once high-tech in ducted-fan systems is now routine. Instead of managing a few flights after tuning and adjusting all day, guys were stopping long enough to refuel and get airborne again. That familiar ducted-fan sound was there, overshadowed-but not drowned out-by the sound of the next-generation power system: those turbine packages we dreamt about and wished for years ago. I didn't do a physical count, but I'd guess that at least half the models flying were propelled by RAM*, JPX*, JetCat*, Sophia* and Golden West* turbines!

INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCES

Go to an event like this, and it's hard not to come away inspired. There are always a few things that stand out as exceptional in performance, appearance, creativity or just plain talent; let me touch on a few. Photos of some will appear in this coverage; please take my word for the others. There were lots of good fliers on hand, some great aerobatics displays and speed runs by the sport jets like Vipers and Mavericks, but scale flying still captures my interest. For example, when you watch a guy like Rei Gonzalez reef a giant F-16 around and fly 9G 360s at 100 feet, you have got to be impressed. Same for Dave Malchione and his big, orange F-4 Phantom; the only thing missing when he touched down on the numbers in a perfect attitude were the blue/gray puffs of smoke from the tires! One guy who consistently does it right (and makes me downright jealous!) is Tom Cook, who set the ducted-fan world on fire some 15 years ago with a twin, ducted-fan F-4 with two K&B* 7.5s and Turbax* fans. His flights with the big T-33 he kits were outstanding-smooth and precise. His short finals were eye-watering and an absolute pleasure to watch!

Another pioneer, Bob Violett, demo'd nearly everything he kits, from the Maverick to his latest-the Dassault Rafale. This twin-turbine machine is impressive when it just sits there; the real appreciation comes when you see it fly. It has all the right things, aero-wise, in a single package: its delta planform, area rule fuselage and canards all pay off when this machine gets airborne. Jerry Caudle, proprietor of Pro-Mark Markings* and a good friend of Bob's, confided that the Rafale's test hop a few days before had seemed almost routine. Fire up the engines, taxi out, take off, trim it out, land it, taxi back, shut down ... ho-hum! I'd be just a little nervous if it were mine, as this package will set the well-heeled buyer back the price of a new Toyota (on sale). No question that Bob Violett Models (BVM*) has captured the lion's share of the jet market; the guys who use his stuff are his best advertising. The line forms to the left for the Rafale!

Young David Malchione was heard asking, in typical 16-year-old fashion, "Hey, Dad, can I borrow the F-4?" Dave Sr. replied, "Sure; just be careful with it and bring it home with some gas left in it!" Within minutes, the big, orange Phantom in NMC markings was barreling down the runway on another well-flown mission. This kid is good; sure hope he sticks with the sport. We need more like him.

"Big; impressive with moderate speed and lotsa 'in-close' maneuverability" best describes the pair of A-lOAs brought by Dean Lassek. One was twin-turbine-powered, while the other used a couple of Dynamax*/O.S.* .91 packages for motivation. Originally developed from Josh Harel plans, they now feature fiberglass fuselages and reworked construction. They appeared to be closely matched until both were airborne; then it was obvious that the turbine-powered T-Bolt-even with its gear down-had a clear speed advantage over the fan-driven version. But because speed isn't the AlO's greatest asset, the difference was of little significance.