T58
Powered Jet Bike
It's
little more than a stripped down T58-GE-8F gas turbine helicopter
engine mounted on two wheels.
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Using
only thrust this bike has reached speeds in excess of
225 mph in the quarter mile.
The
long lower tanks each hold five gallons of diesel fuel
for the flame thrower and afterburner. The short silver
'tanks' (mounted up by the vertical fin) each hold a
parachute to aid in slowing down after high-speed runs.
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Double
disk brakes
all around provide plenty of stopping power.
Originally
designed and fabricated by Tim Arfons, this Jet Bike
is well balanced and very stable at high speeds.
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This
is one of the spare motors out of Jet Bike.
It's
being installed in another 'jet powered' project.
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A
simple cluster of aircraft instruments is monitored
during starts.
The
T-58 gas turbine uses a hydraulic actuator to control
the Inlet Guide Vanes matching airflow to power load.
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Stainless
steel braided aircraft lines safely route fuel, lube
oil, and pneumatic pressure.
A
metal intake screen helps protect the turbine from indigestion
of foreign objects.
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In addition to the T-58, the Rolls Royce Gnome gas turbine
engine can also be converted
to thrust.
Firing
up the Jet Bike
The
following series of photographs details the T-58 'start sequence'
(which is common to most gas turbine engines).
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Preparing
for a start; the side covers are removed for inspection.
We ensure there are no fuel or oil leaks, and no loose
parts or FOD.
The
starting batteries are located on the 'start cart' which
connects on the left side through an aircraft power
plug.
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When
the starter solenoid is engaged, the turbine begins
to 'wind up'.
Oil
Pressure is monitored first.
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As
RPM approaches 20%, the igniters are turned on.
At
20% RPM, fuel is turned on and the gas turbine 'lights
off'.
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Immediately
after 'light off' the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) rises
and RPM starts to climb.
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A
'puff of smoke' is a sure sign of 'light off'.
The
starter is disengaged at around 40% RPM and the gas
turbine is now running on it's own.
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It
is critical that EGT stays within limits.
The
brakes are locked to keep the bike from rolling as more
power is applied.
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This
engine test was conducted after routine maintenance
to ensure all systems are operating well within acceptable
limits.
Jet
Bike cools off after a successful test run.
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Jet
Bike has been entertaining crowds for many years
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Here's
an old photo of Jet Bike with different colors.
Jet
Bike has gone through a few changes over the years.
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We have Gas Turbine thrust engines available
so you can build your own Jet Bike or Quad
You can contact me by e-mail.
T58
Gas Turbine Engine
Fuel and Lube Oil Requirements
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