Part of the RC Turbine Learning Center
A turbine installation is a group of systems that have to work together: the engine mount, thrust tube, fuel tank, pump, filter, valves, ECU, batteries, receiver, retracts, brakes, and radio programming. The safest way to build one is to treat each system separately, then test the complete airplane as a whole.
I use this as a planning checklist so I do not paint myself into a corner halfway through the installation. The manuals for the turbine, airplane, ECU, fuel system, and radio still set the actual measurements, limits, and procedures.
Plan the installation order first
Before permanently mounting anything, dry-fit the turbine, thrust tube, tank, equipment trays, batteries, air system, and wiring. Some parts cannot be installed after another component is in place. I ran into that on my MB-339: the thrust tube had to go in before the fuel tank because there was not enough room afterward.
Turbine mount and alignment
- Use the mount and fasteners specified for the engine and airframe.
- Make sure the mounting structure is sound and fuel-resistant.
- Align the turbine and thrust tube according to the airplane and turbine instructions.
- Check clearance around the intake, starter, fuel connections, temperature sensor, and wiring.
- Use locking methods approved by the manufacturers and recheck the installation after initial runs.
Thrust tube and heat management
The thrust tube must be centered, supported, and spaced correctly from the turbine outlet and surrounding structure. Do not guess at the gap or overlap. Inspect the fuselage for anything that could be damaged by heat or hot exhaust.
Make sure cooling air can enter and exit the fuselage as intended. Protect wires, tubing, wood, covering, composite structure, and accessories from the exhaust path and radiant heat.
Fuel tank, pump, filter, and tubing
Use only tubing, fittings, filters, valves, and tank hardware intended for turbine fuel. Keep the plumbing clean during assembly. Route lines so they cannot kink, rub, pull loose, or draw air. Mount the pump and components in the orientation and location recommended by the turbine manufacturer.
Label the fill, vent, feed, and return lines where applicable. After assembly, perform the manufacturer’s leak and flow checks before allowing fuel near a hot engine.
ECU, batteries, and wiring
- Mount the ECU where it is protected from heat, vibration, fuel, and physical damage.
- Use the specified battery type, voltage, capacity, connectors, and charging procedure.
- Separate turbine wiring, receiver wiring, high-current equipment, and antennas as recommended.
- Provide strain relief and secure every connector so vibration cannot work it loose.
- Keep service items accessible. You should not need to dismantle the airplane to inspect a filter, battery, or connection.
Radio programming and failsafe
Program the throttle channel and ECU endpoints exactly as the turbine instructions require. Verify throttle trim, throttle cut, start command, shutdown command, and any flight-mode interaction. Set and test failsafe with the turbine unable to start.
Complete a full range test with the airplane assembled in its flight-ready configuration. Move retracts, brakes, gear doors, servos, and other high-load equipment while watching receiver voltage and telemetry.
Balance and equipment placement
Heavy turbine equipment can change the CG quickly. Plan component locations with the fuel system both full and empty. Secure batteries and tanks for the loads they will see in flight and during a firm landing. Do not use the fuel tank as a substitute for permanent balance.
Inspection before fuel
- Turbine mount and thrust tube secure and aligned
- Intake and exhaust paths clear
- Heat-sensitive items protected
- Fuel system clean, secure, and leak-tested
- ECU and batteries mounted and accessible
- Wiring supported with proper strain relief
- Receiver antennas installed correctly
- Throttle, shutdown, failsafe, brakes, and gear checked
- CG checked with the intended fuel load
- Experienced turbine pilot has inspected the installation
Continue to field operation
Use the turbine field, startup, shutdown, and first-flight checklist before the initial run. For the background, waiver overview, safety considerations, and my MB-339 experience, return to the RC turbine beginner’s overview.