Debra
04-27-2007, 04:24 PM
I am the team leader of a senior design team at Florida Institute of Technology. Over the next year, my team will design, construct, and test a large UAV platform. This UAV will use the military's heavy fuel, JP-8. I have been an avid rc-er for over ten years, and i have owned many different kinds of engines. One thing that I have never really got into though, was large scale gas models. For this project, I would like to use a large four stroke, as this will yield high torque at low rpm's, and good fuel economy. I am very fond of Saito's, and the new 220 would be just the perfect size. I was wondering if you had any advice for me on how to adjust, what oil ratio to mix, pretty much anything having to do with the subject. I'm pretty sure that I will need to utilize a product such as Smartplugs to allow combustion of the JP-8, but any advice would be great. I understand that even though the four stroke would be ideal for our case, it may not be too feasible to make this conversion, and I might be better off using a two stroke. Either
way, I would like to hear any input you may have on the subject.
Thank you for your time,
C.
Dear C.,
There is no way you will be able to run a Saito 220, or any other 4-stroke for that matter, on JP-S. You mention a "Smartplug", but I have no idea
what that is. A fellow named Lou Furco markets a glowplug called the "Gadjet" (see April issue) that will allow a 4-stroke to run on a special high ether content diesel mix, but performance is a way down and better used for endurance applications. If you intend to go diesel, then best think in terms of a 2-stroke with a Davis diesel conversion head. You still will have to use a regular model engine diesel fuel, or if you mix your own, 25% - 30%
ether plus 2% Amyl nitrate, and the balance your JP-S which is basically
a highly refined kerosene.
Frankly, I would probably go with the Saito 220 and glow fuel or gasoline conversion.
Good luck with the project.
Clarence Lee
way, I would like to hear any input you may have on the subject.
Thank you for your time,
C.
Dear C.,
There is no way you will be able to run a Saito 220, or any other 4-stroke for that matter, on JP-S. You mention a "Smartplug", but I have no idea
what that is. A fellow named Lou Furco markets a glowplug called the "Gadjet" (see April issue) that will allow a 4-stroke to run on a special high ether content diesel mix, but performance is a way down and better used for endurance applications. If you intend to go diesel, then best think in terms of a 2-stroke with a Davis diesel conversion head. You still will have to use a regular model engine diesel fuel, or if you mix your own, 25% - 30%
ether plus 2% Amyl nitrate, and the balance your JP-S which is basically
a highly refined kerosene.
Frankly, I would probably go with the Saito 220 and glow fuel or gasoline conversion.
Good luck with the project.
Clarence Lee