up-jan8a.htm Small-Pogo Project


Small-Pogo Project


Status Updates


January 1-9, 1998

January 1, 1998

Philosophized all day. Looked at model airplane parts and costs. Thought about construction techniques.

January 4, 1998

Well, I've put off buying any parts for the Small-Pogo model to the point that I go back to my day-job tomorrow. The good side is I'll be able to ask advice on radios, engines, and other stuff. Then I'll go ahead and buy the parts and start building.

I received some ads from Windspire, Inc, of Long Green, MD. The ads are for:

Since it's only $24.95 US I'll probably order the manual.

Found a web page talking about the "Hybrijet Engine," HJ-2-25. It's advertisement claims it's a propane engine that's air startable, SFC= 1.5 lbf/lbm-hr, Static thrust = 16 lbf, 25 lbf at 200 mph. Sounds to me like the Gluahref engine. I'll have to write to the inventor/builder.

Found a note on Usenet about a 1/2 oz peak altitude altimeter for model rockets.

In looking at the ads for jet powered helicopters this may be a better way to test ramjets (i.e. at the end of long rotor blades) that to go to the expense of renting or building a wind tunnel.

January 7, 1998

In the last few days I have sent off a letter to a) Windspire for plans on building pulsejets, ramjets, and tip-jet powered helicopters, and b) Kaiser Marquardt for information on their MA-210-XAA, MA-212-XAA, and RJ43-MA-7 ramjets.

I've realized an additional problem with high speed flight. Considering that a tube-launched ramjet powered vehicle will be leaving the muzzle at near-sonic speeds there will be only a small difference between being considered an extreme hobbyist and a dangerous extremist. This will have to be taken into account in any testing.

I've been working on design possibilities for the model Small-Pogo with a couple of the folks at work. One has offered to loan me some of his equipment. I hope to obtain an engine and prop so I can start building the model this weekend. I will be building from the engine mount outward.

January 8, 1998

I've been loaned a YS .60 model aircraft engine which allows me to start building the Small-Pogo, Phase I vehicle. I have a rough idea of how it will go together but this will have to be tempered based on materials available. The other components, such as radio and servos, will be coming along shortly. I intend to go to the model rocket/airplane show Saturday and see what I can find on propellers.

I've learned about a Ramjet Design Handbook that I intend to try to locate.
It looks like I will be attending the IAA conference coming up. See http://www.aero.org/apw/.



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