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Latest update: May 19th,

Model shown with STANDARD LINE RETRACTS

In 1942, when the British Whittle engines were available, the American government signed a contract with the Bell company, for designing a jetaircraft. The first Prototype made its maiden flight in the same year and Bell began with the production of the first American jet fighter. Due to the retatively unreliable engines and the lack of power, the Airacomet never attained the expected performance and so the project came to an end after some 60 aircraft were built. Although the Airacomet could not compete with the 1944 appearing Lockheed Shooting Star, it has it`s place in aviation history in being Americas first jet aircraft. The remaining examples that survived the test stadium were used for jet familiarization and some were converted to pilotless drones. A single one was sent to Great Britain ( see picture above) in 1943 where it has been tested by the Royal Air Force. Part of the history around the P 59 can be seen on “YouTube” :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mhF49AJrVg

The large wing area and the conventional layout , combined with a wide track landing gear and emergency landing skids were just a few advantages that helped the pilots to concentrate their heads on the new powerplants.

Grumania Jet Models created this 1/7scale model for the same reasons. The Airacomet is very easy to fly and due to the large wheels it is perfect for the use on grass fields. Take off and landing speeds are very slow and this makes the P-59 an ideal first jet for the beginner. Although being a trainer , it is fully aerobatic and next to it`s outstanding flying characteristics , it is a scale model that features glassfibre parts which are detailed with panel lines and rivets.The full size Airacomets offer a wide range of colour schemes to choose from.

Technical data:

Scale

1/7

wingspan

1.980 meters

length

1.668 meters

weight

7.5- 10 kilogramms (depending on engine)

functions

Ailerons,elevator, rudder,nosewheel,throttle,retracts,flaps optional

Engines: the Airacomet is prepared for turbines such as the Wren MW54 or Wren Supersport.

It can also be powered by an 80 Newton turbine such as the Jetcat P-80 or similar
Kit contents Bell P-59 Airacomet

Kit contents:

Detailed GRP fuselage & rudder ( epoxy ) with separate engine hatch and canopy frame.    CNC cut formers with engine bay , servo mounts, kerosene tank mounts, retract mounts,switch mounts, plug ins

Ready made foam/obechi wings with ready hinged ailerons, servo mounts, wing plug ins and prepared retract mounts.Wingtips installed

Ready made elevator in foam/ obechi with ready made hinges

NEW : now with ready made elevator plug ins and ALL linkages and horns !!

Drilled servo leads, threaded rods, forkends, kerosene tanks, fuel lines, canopy, three views, instructions, picture CD

Deluxe Kit : 890,- Euro

The model is very high prefabricated, guarantees a very fast and easy built up ! A very clever former layout with interlocking parts, separated in nose-,centre- and rear sections helps the builder to get in all formers on a weekend.The formers have recesses to take all radio components, retracts and bifurcated duct.

The model is prepared to take the Grumania Jet Models new EXPERT LINE RETRACT, a retract system that is especially made for this model. It incorporates a special flex mount system for the main retract units.

 

   BRAND NEW BRAND NEW BRAND NEW BRAND NEW BRAND NEW BRAND NEW BRAND NEW

                                     EXPERT LINE RETRACTS

Due to customers demands a more scale like retract has been designed.This combines the original looks and scale retraction with a reliable ,“modeller -friendly” technology. As the full size Airacomet has a very unusual retraction angle,all retract components have to be super thin to allow the legs and wheels to retract completely in the wing.This is only possible with retracts that have inverted cylinders and positive up and down locks.                                                                                                The EXPERT LINE RETRACT does incorporate this .It is equipped with forked main legs and an oleo nose leg.The retracts are double action units ( air up/ air down) and so allow a retraction speed control in both directions when mounting a restrictor on the Jet-Tronics double valve (optional). Specially designed flex plates hold the main units in the wing and take the load of hard landings.This protects retracts AND wings from damage.It also gives some extra damping.                                       

EXPERT LINE RETRACT units are made of extra high quality aluminium and are anodized.Compared to standard type retracts , these units are very light.

All parts of the EXPERT LINE RETRACTS are NOT compatible with other STANDARD retract parts !!!

EXPERT LINE retract SETS

             615,- Euros

Jet Tronics operating valves

The Jet Tronics retract and brake operating valves are setting standards ! They are by far the smallest, lightest and most reliable ones on the market and equipped with 3mm quick links for Festo tubings. The single valve is used for the Airacomets brake, the programmable pulse rate allows proportional braking . The double valve operates the retraction of the legs. Both valves are easily plugged directly to the corresponding channel in your receiver ( GR/Futaba plug ).The use of this valve elimi nates mechanical valves in combination with servos and linkages - and also the known problems of these systems ! Once you have used these valves, you`ll never take anything else!
Jet Tronics single valve for brake operation
Jet Tronics double valve for retract operation

Jet Tronics single valve   57,- Euros                             Jet Tronics double valve   98,- Euros

Airacomet turbine duct

This stainless steel bifurcated duct is especially designed for the use of turbines in the 55 N range and is optimized to give a maximum of thrust. It is very cool and quiet in use - you won`t  hear the typical noise that other bifurcated ducts create.The new duct design has been developed over a longer period and no loss of power was recorded ( tested with the Wren MW54)

The new bifurcated duct is easy to mount in the airframe It is screwed to a special former which is included in the kit.No adjusting, no optimizing required - just put it in and forget.

Price : 180,- Euro

                   Super scale decal set

Grumania is proud to present the new super scale decal set that has been made for the P-59.It is detailed down to the small stenciling on the full size - 100 % scale ! This decal set is of the water slide type and ultra thin, creating the “painted on”-look. If you are looking for a scale appearance, this decal set gives your model that delicate touch !

The set consists of large stars & bars, numbers and over one hundred single stencils. Also packed are surface preparation materials and instructions.

Price 83,60 Euro