JET POWERED SELF-LAUNCHERS - are becoming the in thing.

In fact there is now a waiting list for supply.

The latest combination two units weighs only 50 kgs including fuel, (80 kgs for a two-stroke).

A twin jet unit recently installed in a Ventus has a ground run of 250m at an AUW of 400Kg - 370m at 500kg.

Climb rates are 900 and 700 fpm respectively and single engine climb is 300 and 200fpm.

50 litres (40Kg) of jet fuel will give a 2000 ft launch and a 250km retrieve.

Ground run is a little longer than a piston Self Launcher.

Extending the engines increases drag by only 5%, less than 50% of the piston self launcher.

Engines can be started and idled on joining the circuit, which provides go-round capability.

Watch this space for more news and developments on the Jet engine concept.