There were a few jet powered gliders built in the 80s I believe. They were
all metal ~20m side by side gliders. I think they were called capronis, but
I am not sure.

I think some guy in Mexico owns all of them. Dont know if there are any
flying today.

-Jason

"cdubya" wrote in message
...
Why not a turbojet on a glider? There are some designes like the Baby
Albatross http://www.skybench.com/images/graphics/bowlus.jpg that should
be
easy to add an turbojet that can be buried in the rear of the pod with no
drag penalty and the exaust is away from any critical parts. These
engines
are simple, light and have an outragous thrust to weight ratio. The
engines
are not fuel efficent but who cares when 3 gallons will run the thing for
5
minutes. You can get way up there in 5 min when climbing at 1000 fpm.

Here is a link to the Doodlebug hang glider
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/flylig...lebug/news.htm with a Microjet
APS100 turbine http://www.microjeteng.com/. Download the MOV file listed
in
the text to see and hear this thing fly. Yes the turbine motors are loud
and probably should only be flown in areas that have no noise abatement
issues. However the advantages of the turbine motor are many and the
disavantages are managable. Turbines are showing up in many experimental
aircraft now. Someone is gonna do it soon. Why not me I ask.