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Thrust to weight ratio

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Old 04-09-2003, 01:10 PM
  #1  
heavy date-RCU
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

Awhile back someone had a great formula for multi engine models as to the thrust to weight ratio. It was very simple, and like a dope I forgot to write it down! Anyone else remember it?
Thanks, Hans
Old 04-14-2003, 10:54 PM
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feihu-RCU
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

Hans -

I have never heard of or seen any 'great formulas for T/Ws for multi engine models'. I have personally been looking at model airplane T/W ratios for a long time. and I can tell you of my findings.
For determining a value for thrust T, I put the model on a large flat table and attach a scale to the tail of the airplane and take scale readings when the engine is at full power. (No correction for wheel or table friction).
For W, I just weigh the model. ( In hindsight, I did not fill the gas tank on gas models).
My observations of performance with respect to T/W:
At T/W = .25 some fly and seem OK, but most seem underpowered.
At T/W = .4 allow takeoff from most surfaces and flies reasonably well.
At T/W = .6 will fly with authority and some aerobatics
At T/W = .8 good all-around performance.
At T/W = above 1 will go straight up, do 3D flying.

Don't think it makes any difference whether it's a twin or whatever.

feihu
Old 04-15-2003, 05:50 PM
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verald_stevens
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

what are the dimensions that you are using for the thrust and the weight? Are you measuring the thrust in pounds and the weight in pounds?
Old 04-16-2003, 07:23 AM
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Jimmy Bananas
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

I was told by a person who builds only multi birds,for example,a 20 Ib plane,needs 10 Ibs of thrust..so what the plane weights,you need at least 1/2 of it for thrust....rule of thumb so to speak..............
Old 04-16-2003, 09:31 AM
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heavy date-RCU
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

Thanks for the answers. Now I have a good idea just how much thrust I will need for a 50 pound model.

Thanks again to all.
Hans
Old 04-16-2003, 09:25 PM
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feihu-RCU
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Default Thrust to weight ratio

verald_stevens

Makes no difference whether it's pounds or kilos, ounces or grams, so long as the units are the same.

feihu

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