G-JPIT has been built from scratch over a period of 4 years. It is based on the Pitts S2S Fuselage and incorporates all the tried and tested modifications flying on G-EWIZ. One major difference is the Wing design. It is unique, designed by Eddie Saurenman Aero Works and they are incredible to fly.
Bigger ailerons and more wing area give a phenomenal roll rate and better low speed handling. It was worth the thousands of hours I spent in the shed building them. Building a set of wooden wings is the same a building a model aircraft- The wooden parts are just a bit bigger. All the same principles apply. The Gallery photos shows some of the work involved.
OUR MISSION
The aim is to design, build and fly an Airshow aircraft with two sources of propulsion to giving it a unique capability for Aerial Entertainment at Air Shows throughout UK, Europe and beyond. Eddie is no stranger to this type of innovation. He has already designed and analysed the Jet Waco and the Yak 110. Eddie uses FEM techniques for his aircraft design. You can read about this approach to aircraft modifications on our innovation pages coming soon.
The two ATM Lynx Jet turbines deliver 700lbs thrust and in combination with the 8.5 Ltr Lycoming, a a total thrust of 1700lbs. The aircraft weights only 1550 lbs.
Eddie comments, "We need a thrust to weight ratio of at least 1.1:1 so we can hover and accelerate upwards from stationary!"
I like to think of it as a home built Harrier Jump Jet! The design and build is well developed and the new aircraft, G-JPIT was successfully test flown in 2019. We are now waiting for further approvals to run the turbine in flight.
THE STORY
The Jet Pitts is based on the Pitts S2S and designed to enhance the performance and entertain at Airshows.
The initial concept was borne after an informal chat with Eddie, who designed the Jet Waco and Yak 110.
Two incredible aircraft which demonstrate innovation in design to inspire others.
I felt Europe needed something different on the air show circuit and we joked that we could just bolt 2 jet turbines to the Pitts and fly it after a weekend’s work!! Here we are several years later almost ready to go, having overcome several regulation issues. Tailplane temperatures, Containment of turbines in case of rotor burst additional structural analysis on the airframe due to the mass/thrust and gyroscopic loads on the airframe. Watch the short film that explains some of the challenges.
JET ENGINES
The Lynx Turbojet is designed and built by AMT-NL Its has a single radial compressor and axial flow turbine stage. The engine owes its excellent performance and superb power to weight ratio to a new type of diffuser stage.
John Wighton from Acroflight has designed designing the containment solution for the Jet Turbines in order in order to comply with CS/FAR 23 regulation using jet turbines on aircraft. It's all been a big challenge and an interesting journey so far. We appreciate the support of all involved.
CURRENT STATUS
G-JPIT has completed test flying with the AMT turbines mounted, but we are not authorised to run them during flight at the moment.
All flight testing so far has presented no handling issues.
Next steps will be exploring flight with turbines running at various power settings including asymmetric handling characteristics.
In our own small way, with the support from our sponsors, we are aiming to inspire others into the STEM world with the Jet Pitts Project.
REGULATION
& APPROVAL
John Wighton from Acroflight is working on Containment Nacelles and compliance for the LAA/CAA. Once we are ready to test fly with the jets, testing will be carried out under the LAA Permit to fly system. Read more about containment on our innovations page coming soon.