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With the trumpet
now cut down to size the next job was to make the internal
diameter size the same as the compressor inlet housing.
The trumpet duct is 20mm larger in diameter and by steaming
three pieces of thin wood, and then fibre glassing them
in place the space difference was made up.
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From the off-cut
of the hovercraft duct I cut a 40mm round strip, this
was then epoxy'd to the inside of the duct and overhung
by 10mm, this will, when finished locate snuggly inside
the compressor casing, holding it firmly in place.
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I have now filled
the internal gap with filler created by adding the wooden
spacers so the next job is to profile the trumpet
intake to a constant curve using a cut off of aluminium
as a template.
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I then covered the whole inside
of the trumpet with a layer
of k-glass, carbon cloth and then laminated it with some
epoxy resin, all I have to do now is secure it in place.
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Now to the exhaust/ jet pipe. The
flanges for a nice professional appearance and high tolerance
have been laser cut by 'Laser Process' of Cannock, I
have had three made, one for the Vipers exhaust, one
for the
jet pipe and a spare just in case I add a reheat sometime
in the future. Reasonably priced to!! Next I'm off
to see Derek who's going to to the welding.
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Jet propelling nozzle fabricated
and fitted. The four thermocouples are held in place by
3/8 BSP Stainless Steel fittings adapted and welded in to
the Jet pipe. |
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The four wires from the thermocouples
are wired together in parallel and secured in a tamper proof
box which is attached to the Vipers frame. I popped down
to my local runway to try out the new Jet nozzle. 100mph
very quickly indeed and also a new pair of pants required,
all good stuff.
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Just after the 100mph run and once
I arrived back home, I was just doing some basic electrical
testing on the circuitry and the soft start solenoid
failed, blowing a couple of fuses. So now was the time
to upgrade
to some 400amp aircraft solenoids, at last a proper job
and I feel happier about the system. |
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Thanks to Rob, the rear end of the HiJet has now had
a coat of paint. Its a shame it makes the front end look
so crappy. |
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The front will be painted sometime
soon, (when I get chance) and some aircraft decals will
be made from vinyl, saying that I have yet to decide on
the type and colour scheme of the stickers. |
