Model airplanes powered by compressed air ? Anyone ?

[ptllogic]

Model airplanes powered by compressed air ...?? Anyone ??

Hello,

Has anybody explored idea of powering aeroplane models by compressed air?

Does this seem to be viable idea?

Prima-facie:

Let's say a rubber tire tube (old days of car tires - now its all tube less) inflated to say 60 PSI with controlled aperture of 2.2 mm - valve operated - will exert force of 1.57 N (pls correct if wrong ; i have used simple formula : F = Pressure X Area)

Assuming the weight of model 200 gm this force would be sufficient to bring it in motion? can anyone help in calculating volume of tube required for this experiment?

Regards
Shashank

 

[bigfooted]

I remember model airplanes being propelled by compressed CO2, so your idea doesn't seem that weird.

 

[Aero51]

Biggest issue is weight. You would need an aluminum or steel container to hold the pressurized gas to get an appreciable amount of thrust to fly your model. Not to mention you may need a regulator too if you want to control the flow rate. It might be fun though to watch it blast off for a few seconds!