No matter how long you have been into R/C models, there is still a lot to learn when you get into jets. The new Reaction kit from PST just might be the perfect way to transition from props to jet blast. Its exposed engine and huge fuselage help ease the learning curve that comes with installing and using your first turbine. The rugged retract system gives you the jet "look" in flight without the hassles of doors. And building the Reaction is a snap thanks to the new ARTF version.

Laws of nature are cool, especially when they’re used for something important like thrust, lift, and acceleration! Our friend Newton managed to take the incredibly complex and explain it in simple terms. The same can be done for model turbine engines which are technically very complex, but conceptually very simple. At its core, a turbine engine takes in air, adds energy, and expels the air creating thrust. That’s the action, which leads us to the equally exciting Reaction.

Model turbine engines are revolutionizing the hobby. Skilled modelers are always looking for a new challenge and model jets represent the pinnacle of recreational R/C modeling. But it can be a big jump from a prop-driven aerobatic model to a 200 mph, heavy-metal scale jet with sequenced landing gear doors, conformal Kevlar fuel tanks, and composite bypasses. The Reaction is meant to be your stepping stone into the exciting world of turbine models.

Reaction Design

A lot of thought went into the design of this model. Listed here are some of the major design considerations for the Reaction.

Now fully composite! The Reaction is available in ARTF form with only some simple building required.

Big and Light - Big models are easy to see, and light models are delightful to fly. Bigness helps keep the top speed down, and lightness helps keep the landing speed down. A big fuselage gives you plenty of room for all that "stuff" that turbine models need to haul around. A big, thick wing is inherently strong and gives you plenty of room for retracts. Light weight gives you vertical performance and reduces landing gear loads.

Retracts - There has been a tendency to make entry-level turbine models too simple. Aspiring turbine pilots have above-average skills and don't need to step back to a basic trainer. Retracts are part of the jet scene, and the Reaction just wouldn't look right without them, and this is why we are offering the Pro-Lynx Trailing Link system as an optional item for the kits.

Exposed Engine - I saved my pennies for several years to buy my first turbine engine, and didn't want to bury it inside an airframe. Besides, an exposed engine is easy to work on and saves the weight, cost, and complexity of an exhuast tube, inlets, and bypass. The Reaction features an elegant streamlined area just ahead of the engine to help maintain smooth airflow to the turbine inlet. For lack of a better term, I call this the "boat tail".

Low Cost - By definition, a turbine model will be expensive compared to most R/C models. Besides the engine itself, the typical turbine model is expected to have custom-made composite fuel tanks, spring-loaded landing gear struts, and special machined "jet" wheels. A major goal of the Reaction was to keep the total cost low compared to other turbine designs by using low-cost, off-the-shelf hardware items like a Du-Bro fuel tank, wire struts, and regular wheels. The Reaction blurs the line between your everyday sport model and what has become the norm in the turbine community.

Safety - The greatest safety feature of the Reaction is that it's fairly slow by turbine standards and easy to fly. Care was taken in the design to separate the fuel tank area from the turbine with a robust structure in the boat tail. A neoprene pad is provided to cushion the front of the tank in an impact. The PST prototype model has been thoroughly flight tested and has proven itself to be a robust, well-behaved design that does what it is supposed to do, and does it well.

Flying the Reaction

It is hard to describe the feeling you get, standing at the edge of the runway, listening to your turbine spool up and watching your jet begin to accelerate for its maiden flight. I won't try. For many builders, the Reaction will be their first experience with a turbine. All I can say is take it all in because it's a feeling you won't forget for a long, long time.

When you transition from prop planes to turbines, the most noticeable difference is the turbine throttle lag. It will take some time to get used to this, but the forgiving nature of the Reaction will help you get through this learning curve without difficulty. Due to the relative high speed of turbine models and the throttle lag, jet pilots need to be constantly thinking ahead, particularly during the landing approach. When flying a jet, you must decide early if you need to go around and do it without hesitation.

There is really nothing tricky about flying the Reaction. Takeoffs on pavement typically use up about 150 ft. of runway. Grass runways will obviously require more distance. The Reaction climbs out briskly. Most of your level flying will be done with the throttle at about 2/3 or 3/4 and the model cruising around at something less than 100 mph. When you are ready to wring her out, you will find the Reaction excels at smooth, jet-style aerobatics. The rudder is too small for snaps or spins, but it is adequate to hold a knife edge clear across the horizon. The Reaction is designed for aerobatics, not speed.

Landings are slow and easy with the Reaction. The only time I've gotten into trouble is when I've tried to force it down onto the runway. My best advice for landing is to just let the model slow down at its own pace and settle onto the runway when it's good and ready. Pretty soon your landings will be so nice that you will begin doing what very few "heavy jet" pilots dare: touch-and-goes! After you land and taxi back, be sure to get one last whiff of that sweet aroma of jet exhaust before shutting down.

Somehow, I think Sir Isaac would be very impressed with this stunning demonstration of his third law!

    

		PST Reaction Kit w/ 3.8L Composite Fuel Tank (Limited Time Only!) Quantity: Options: Blue / Yellow Scheme Red / White Scheme Multiple Option Purchase/Options Price Table

		PST Reaction Pro-Lynx Set! Quantity: Options: Normal Pro-Lynx Set Deluxe Pro-Lynx Set (+120GBP) Multiple Option Purchase/Options Price Table