Big Toys for the Big Kids!

(This story and, photos were forwarded to me by, my uncle, Jim Elder a model enthusiast.)

This 1/9th scale radio-controlled C-17 model was built in the U.K. To date it has about 20 flights. It was built as the centerpiece of a 15 program television series produced in the U.K for the Home and Leisure satellite TV channel. Built with the aid of three friends, it took a year to build and, is powered with 4 Jetcat P-120 turbines, with a total thrust of 108 lbs. Weighing in at 250 lbs fully fueled and, carries 12.5 liters (3.3 U.S. gallons) of 95% kerosene and, 5% turbine oil fuel. the wingspan of this big boy is 20 feet and 8 inches, and the top of the fin hits 74 inches. (6feet 2 inches) above the ground. Take of weight is 264 lbs. The rear cargo doors open and they drop an r/c jeep on a pallet, as well as 2 free fall r/c parachutists. The model also, has smoke systems both of the inboard turbines, and uses 2.4 GHz data link to provide real-time data to a laptop computer on the ground while in flight. This data includes airspeed, turbine, RPM, EGT, fuel consumption, etc. It is covered in fiberglass and epoxy resin. Built mainly from balsa and ply, with many glass and carbon fiber moldings to reduce weight. This C-17 Globemaster III is one of the largest jet models in the world today! Complete with retractable landing gear and pneumatically operated flaps.