TOPIC: KK SkyJet 50.

Building an old school jetex model.

This is my first venture into Jetex. I’m planning to use dope and thinners. I wish it to be as close to a 1960’s machine as I can.


Roger adds:

Looking good! Don't forget to put in some washout (3/32" or so) in the wings

The Skyjet is a nice looking model. Was this design also Bill Dean?

Any update on progress?

Alas yes.
Yesterday saw the SkyJet reach for the sky. Initial glide test showed promising.
First jet flight proved a death spiral to the left. A trim tab and more test glides seemed to cure the issue.

The next powered flight proved to be the last one.

On ignition, the starboard wing burst into flames. I managed to blow out the fire. But all tissue and 2 ribs had gone. Not a total loss.

I will be refitting over next few days.

Hi Phil,

Congratulations on your baptism of fire and welcome to the club: we've all been there, done that!

You don't say how the wing caught fire. Was it sparks from the fuse? Andy Blackwell used to put a a bit of aluminium foil under the Jetex motor's nozzle which caught any stray sparks. It was of course removed before launch.

I hope restoration of the Skyjet is not too problematical .