Caproni only built a few gliders with the jet engine (I believe only
4). At least a couple are still flying. I heard the Australian Air
Force bought the production rights, but I haven't heard any more.
Some German guys have parts to build several. They are also looking
at the TJ-100 engine.

I believe the Caproni/TRS-18 wasn't the best combination. The
airframe was very heavy, and the engine was too small. Jets aren't
known for their short field performance. Pushing the extra weight to
liftoff speed took a lot of runway. The mechanical fuel control made
the engine overly complicated and finicky (after all, that was 30
years ago). Basically, it was too much, too soon. But, at least they
tried...

Others have tried as well. The earliest attempt at a jet sailplane I
can find is the Hanle/Hutter H-13 (predecessor to the Libelle &
Salto) . It had a huge BMW turbine stuffed behind the wing spar. The
engine probably weighed as much as the airframe, with maybe 60 lbs
thrust.

Bob

On Apr 14, 4:21*pm, brian whatcott wrote:
Which reminds me...

Whatever happened to the Caproni jet?

Brian W

airshowbob wrote:
The TST-14 BonusJet is nearing completion. We ran the TJ-100 engine on
the airframe for the first time last Sunday. *Everything is working
perfectly, and the tail temperatures were well below limits.

All that remains is some tidying up of the wiring, and installation of
the wing fuel bladders. *I'll be in airshow mode for the next couple
of weeks, so these tasks will have to wait a bit. *We're expecting the
first flight in May.

*I have posted a progress page to show the development of the BonusJet
over the last year. *Click on the dates to see photos and videos of
the project.

http://www.desertaerospace.com/bonusjet_progress.html



If you want to jump straight to the engine test video (April 12,
2010), it is located he

http://www.desertaerospace.com/bonusjet_2010_04_12.html

If you're interested in a jet glider checkout, give me a call or e-
mail...

Bob Carlton
Desert Aerospace, LLC
Albuquerque, NM USA
505-239-5967