Helicopter mechanics
with model turbine engine
54
Starting the turbine
1. Carry out the start preparations as described in the checklist .
2. Check that there is no fuel inside the turbine..
3. Move the rpm-slider to OFF (back)
(all LEDs must be off)
4. Move the rpm-slider to mid position (idle)
LEDs now start flashing (running lights)
green
red
yellow, green
red
yellow...
5. Move the slider to the max rpm position (
turbine now starts)
6. While the turbine gains speed, you can pull back the slider to mis position (idle).
Provided that the slider is at idle position, and the turbine has automatically stabilised at its
idle speed, the green "OK" LED will light up to indicate that rpm control has now been
transferred to the pilot.
The fully automatic start-up process is initiated by the Jet-tronic as soon as the rpm-slider is
moved to the max rpm position (Step 5). The starting process can be interrupted immediately at
any time by moving the slider to OFF.
Once the start-up process has been initiated, the following sequence of events occur:
1. The turbine is accelerated to about 2500 - 3500 rpm by the starter motor.
2. Now the glowplug is switched on, and the propane valve is opened.
3. The speed of the turbine now declines slowly. During this period ignition normally occurs
inside the turbine.
If ignition should not occur immediately at the first attempt, the process is repeated for a
second attempt at ignition (
Step 1). If the turbine has not ignited within about 30 seconds,
the start-up process is halted (
green LED flashes)
4. As soon as ignition occurs, the starter motor continues to accelerate the turbine, until at
about 3600 rpm the fuel pump is automatically switched on (
red “Pump running” LED
lights up).
5. The turbine is now accelerated until it reaches idle speed. As soon as it is running above
minimum speed, the starter motor is automatically disengaged, and the yellow LED is off.
6. The turbine is now run up briefly to about 35,000 rpm, and then automatically stabilised at
the idle speed.
7. he turbine now remains running at idle speed until the operator moves the rpm-slider back
to idle position. Once this occurs, the green “OK” LED lights up, and control over turbine
rpm is transferred to the pilot.
Shutting down the turbine
Immediate shut-down of the turbine (Manual Off)
The turbine can be shut down immediately at any time by moving the rpm-slider to OFF (full
back).
Automatic post-run cooling process
The turbine starter motor is used to spin the turbine after it has been shut down. This process
automatically cools the engine, and continues until the turbine exhaust gas temperature is below
about 110°C.
