RP partner powers model aircraft builder to championship level
01 May 2010
Investment casting specialist, Micro Metalsmiths, has developed a rapid prototype of a new model engine for Ripmax, the UK’s largest wholesale distributor of radio control models. The engine, which is currently being tested by Ripmax, will be used in control-line model aircraft that will be flown in the World Championships later this summer.
Micro Metalsmiths has been working with Ripmax (and previously Irvine Engines) for over 30 years, providing prototypes and production castings for these model aircraft engines. The partnership has proven to be extremely successful, with control-line model aeroplanes developed by Peter Halman going on to win individual World and European Championships, 14 World and European team championships, plus many UK championships in the FAI F2A class.
The new engine will produce 2.5 horsepower at 40,00 rpm - the equivalent of 1,000 brake horsepower per litre - and will propel the model aircraft to which it is fitted to speeds of 300km/h.
Micro Metalsmiths project managed and developed nine hot wax prototypes for Ripmax, as chairman and managing director, Christopher Shaw explains: “A benefit of using this particular process is that it gives customers the flexibility of only having a small number of items developed at any one time. Another is that the end result can often be more refined and delicate, which is ideal for working on intricate components like engine parts” Ripmax technical director, Peter Halman sums up his latest partnership with the Micro Metalsmiths team.
“We’ve been working with Micro Metalsmiths for a number of years and their personalised service has helped us to develop leading edge model engines for many of our radio controlled aeroplanes. Being able to work with rapid prototypes will certainly give us a competitive edge, and will allow us not only to advance the development of our engines, but also save valuable time and money as well.”
Contact Details and Archive...