Category:Jetex-powered model aircraft

1954: Jetex F-102, US advert [image info]

1966: Gloster Javelin flying model, for Jetex 50C [image info]

1966: Supermarine Swift flying model, for Jetex 50C [image info]

1966: Wren flying model, for Jetex Atom 35 [image info]

1967: Jetex Models, Hobbies Annual [image info]

Jetex-powered model aircraft. With Jetex initially only producing engines, KeilKraft and Veron stepped in to fill the gap, with model aircraft designs specifically created for the new engines. Once the new Jetex company had got into its stride, it hired additional design staff and soon started also making its own model aircraft (and other model vehicles) to take the engines.

Although a seven second powered burn didn't sound very long, the idea with these planes was that the rocket engine would produce enough powered thrust to take the plane to an altitude of over 100 feet, after which it could glide a significant distance. For model aircraft enthusiasts who wanted greater performance (or had heavier planes), Jetex produced longer-burn variants on the rocket motor, which stacked more pellets for a longer burn.

Jetex plane users learnt that the secret of a high-performance Jetex plane was not to keep doping the skin (which increased weight), to aim it up (so as to use the power to achieve height) and keep the plane as light as humanly possible ... and also to throw it really hard!

Some Jetex aircraft models and kits

1955 Interceptor [image info]

INTERCEPTOR – Takes off, flies 400 yards.

1955 Helicopter [image info]

HELICOPTER – Ascends over 100 feet.

1967 Javelin [image info]

JAVELIN – Length 14 inches, span 12 inches, weight ³⁄₄ oz., complete with Jetex 50c motor.

1967 Swift [image info]

SWIFT – Length 14 inches, span 10 ¹⁄₂ inches, weight ⁵⁄₈ oz., complete with Jetex 50c motor.

1967 Wren [image info]

WREN – Ready to fly. An attractive 12 inch span model complete with the powerful Jetex Atom 35 motor. Capable of climbing to 300 feet and gliding for ³⁄₄ mile.