EDF to Turbine Conversions

[Aussie1]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and only just found this topic! I have now converted at least eight EDF jets to turbine and currently own two P20's, two K30's and one K45. I sold all of my large turbine jets to concentrate on small jets only and my latest will be a Freewing F14 with a K30 mounted underneath, it as shown in the video. I also have a tail mounted P20 in a Freewing F86 , and it flies great. My other P20 is in a Hobbyking Skysword using a small dual wall pipe that I make myself. I also make all my own tanks. The other K30 is in a Sebart mini Avanti, and this one is probably my favourite jet!. The K45 is in a Taft Viper, which also flies great. Other conversions have been the Freewing SU35, Yak130 Venum and the F104 Starfighter, and while all flew OK, I converted them back to EDF and sold them. Composite jets include the CMP Hawk and Couger, and while thet flew well, generally composite jets end up heavier than the foam equivalent. Generally speaking, a EDF converted to turbine will be about the same weight but will be around 600 grams lighter by the end of the flight. Both the P20 and the K30 weigh one kilogram with about 6-7 mins of fuel. The F14 will actually be lighter than the EDF version because you are removing to large batteries, two EDF's and two speed controllers. Some pilots are using 900 milliamp 3S LiFe batteries on the K30, and this good for at least two flights. I was told recently that Kingtech have sold over 350 K30's, so expect to see many more turbine powered EDF jets! I'm only guessing, but the P20 is about equivalent to a hot 8S setup, while the K30 is about a 12S power. There is also the Kolibri range but there is no backup here in Australia, or agent, whereas the K30/K45/K70 engines have great support and don't really cost that much. Here are links to videos, but same may require you to be on Facebook to view. There are many others out there, if you want to go down this path, and I for one, are absolutely hooked on this type of model jet modeling! I have many other pics of my jets and tanks, if any one is interested.

https://youtu.be/XzjWU5hbke8

https://www.facebook.com/tony.hong.5494/videos/2329069443772660/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqbYlE4L3Nc&feature=share

https://www.facebook.com/tony.hong.5494/videos/2281203355225936/

[Petronio]

My custom made tank for the FW L-39, one day I will be converting it..fits right over the CG.

[yf22raptor]

Do you sell this tank ..need one for my freewing l -39
tnx Dan

[Petronio]

In conversation per PM...

[Patrnflyr]

Have a question. If you had a choice of ANY Freewing EDF plane and wanted to convert it to a K30 turbine, which one would you choose? I have an Avanti S (red) and an F-4 USAF, but after reading all the info, it seems the F-22 would be the easiest for install, wing loading, looks, etc. What do you all think?

[Petronio]

Heyho, I do not owe one but knowing it is really floaty, big, and with plenty of space I would bet it is probably a very good choice indeed!

[Aussie1]

Have a question. If you had a choice of ANY Freewing EDF plane and wanted to convert it to a K30 turbine, which one would you choose? I have an Avanti S (red) and an F-4 USAF, but after reading all the info, it seems the F-22 would be the easiest for install, wing loading, looks, etc. What do you all think?

I have two K30's now and most 90mm EDF jets can be converted. Either under-slung, in-line in tail or a thrust tube all work. F22=perfect, Avanti, very close second, and maybe this Freewing F16.

https://www.facebook.com/ggrice1/videos/10157391004978324/

[Patrnflyr]

Can anybody give me the size of JP wheels/brake system to order for the F-22? Would like something around the same size as what the kit comes with. I can wait until it comes in but would like to start assembling parts. Also, some people have given me the wheel size when it was actually the total wheel/tire diameter. Would like to be know what people have used so I don't make an ordering mistake Thanks for your help

[ms200a]

Update on K30 powered Mig 21. Increased fuel to 32oz 7+ min with approx 6oz reserve. Painted white and slowly adding black trim. Wings are still a bit hard to sight for bank angle. Still over roll in a turn and that gets exciting! Not much faster but Ohhh, that sound. The extended flight time is great no panic for landing when unplanned stuff is happening.
F-4 is next.

[ms200a]

Maiden F-18 K30 power 6 flights all code 1

[bradcarey]

Im interested in converting the new F18 model as well. How did you mount the K30 and did you use a pipe? What was your flying weight? Thanks!

[Patrnflyr]

Pics would help too

[ms200a]

ok let's see if i can load pics they are a little out of order but you'll get the idea. I cut the nozzles off, and then the speed brake and then used that as a template for the bottom cut.

[ms200a]

on the top of the fuse i dug out some foam by the 2 boxes an foam tac glued the 3/8 square stock from the hardware store.

[ms200a]

I rolled up and CA glued the 1/64 ply to fit the fan tunnel, it is straight no taper and ovals out at back of the plane. I then used a sharpie to mark where to cut and trimmed it as pictured i also trimmed the rear to be the same length of nozzles when reinstalled.

[Aussie1]

Nice conversion on the F18, one of my favorite jets! I converted a Avanti to X45 power and am really happy with it, especially the fuel economy, which will give about 10minutes on one litre of fuel. Hatcam is all I had in my video, but gives you a idea of the flight. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=-gwl0nuxLnY

[ms200a]

Next I used foil tape from hardware store to line inside of ply wood tube

[ms200a]

using foam tac i secured the ply pipe to the structure.

[Scale Master]

Can anybody give me the size of JP wheels/brake system to order for the F-22? Would like something around the same size as what the kit comes with. I can wait until it comes in but would like to start assembling parts. Also, some people have given me the wheel size when it was actually the total wheel/tire diameter. Would like to be know what people have used so I don't make an ordering mistake Thanks for your help

Get the 60mm wheel and brake set. As that's the closest size that looks scalish. I've already done it and the work great with my X45 Turbine conversion. By the way the K30 basically sucks for any FW Jet. Not because of the overall performance, but because the very high idle RPM which equals too high of a residual thrust quotient. So your landing approach speeds suffer (too fast approach speeds), as when all taxi speed too fast with no throttle input so have to ride the brakes while you head out to the runway. The X-45 cost a little more but give you un bridled performance at 10lbs of thrust, and the residual idle thrust is the lowest in the industry and allows great slow speed control with no issues. The engine has fast spool up and down performance and no programming needed through you radio un like the kingtech ECU system.

[ms200a]

I used 1/8th (i think) ply to make a collar that would support my pipe and allow air to pass thru. I used silicone to glue it to the inside of the wood tube, Make sure pipe is centered up down and side to side. As you can see my pipe is a single wall that I made out of 316 .008 stainless steel with a 48mm Weber carburetor velocity stack. The wood mount ring is ideal for my application. The back of the pipe is spaced with hard wood trimmed to fit gap and maintain center. Back of pipe has a servo size screw (not shown) to secure it to the top rear wood spacer block, easy breezy