Jets One of the most common images most people probably envision when they think of radio controlled planes is the single engine propeller-driven airplane. But it has always been the nature of this 'community' of builders and pilots to model every type of aircraft imaginable. This trend inevitably continued into the large genre of jet-powered craft.

The challenge has always been to deliver the rearward thrust required to drive the plane and ultimately to do it in a way that most closely mirrors the look and performance of the full-scale counterpart.

There are now several ways of acheiving this. The rush of technology and manufacturing to meet the requirements of model jets has led to the availability of a variety of small jet turbine engines that operate just like the big ones do. For the serious jet enthusiast turbine power is the ultimate because it delivers the look the sound and performance we have come to expect from jet aircraft.

The availability of a growing variety of high powered, high rpm electric motors has led to a new breed of electric ducted-fan jets. Typically these are smaller than their turbine powered brothers but the upper end of the electric jet range is a close second in performance. In addition, electric power makes possible the tiny 'park fliers' and 'foamies' that can be flown in smaller spaces.

Another option is the i.c powered ducted fan. This used to be the primary way to propel a scale jet before the turbines became practical enough to find widespread use. Typically these are powered by very high performance nitro 2 stroke engines that run at very high rpm in order to deliver the thrust needed.