TWERP

Twin engines Research Project

TWERP
Rutan Quickie Q1 modified for installation of two PBS TJ-40 turbojet engines. Source : with courtesy of Wasabi fligth test
TWERP

TWERP, N68TQ is a Rutan Quickie Q1 designed and modified by Wasabi test flight for installation of two small PBS TJ-40 turbojet engines.  The program goal was to be a flying test bed for the first manned application of these engines, and study their performance and reliability, specifically at altitude.  The Quickie was chosen for its very low overall drag (~0.9 sq ft), ideal for testing the next generation of small engines.

Twerp General data

Quickie DesignerBurt Rutan
Twerp DesignersElliot Seguin
 Justin Gillen
TypeTwin light jet aircraft
First flightMay 13, 2016
Nb. Built1
Crew1

Power plant

EnginePBSTJ-40
Count2 
TypeTurbojet 
Max. ratings  395 N88 lbs

Dimensions

Span5,08 m16.7 ft
Length5,30 m17.9 ft
Height1,35 m4.4 ft
Aereas5 m²53.8 ft²

Weights

Empty112 kg245 lb
Crewkg lb
Fuel standard26, 5l7 US Gal
Fuel additional75,7 l20 US Gal
Max. permissible220 kg485 lb

Performances 

Vne – Max speed 210 km/h130 mph
Vno – Max.crus. speedkm/hmph
Vs – Stall speed90 km/h56 mph
Max. rate of climb m/min ft/min
Service ceilingmft
Range min 
Landing speedkm/hmph
T.O distance to 50 ftmyds
Landing distance from 50 ftmyds

Engine Location

The stock Quickie engine was mounted on the front of the fuselage and weighed approximately 80 pounds, compared to the jet engines which weighed 8 pounds each. 

TWERP
Twerp, initial engine configuration. Source : with courtesy of Wasabi Test Flight

The nose of the airplane was extended approximately three feet to put the jets far enough forward on the fuselage to make up for that difference in weight.

Very short engine runs were enough to shown that skin temperatures would be too hard to control in that nose location. The fuselage skin aft behind and below the aft wing was reaching 170 degrees fahrenheit even at idle power with a headwind.  

As a result the engines were moved aft of the pilot and below the main wing.  

TWERP
Twerp, final engine configuration. Source : with courtesy of Wasabi Test Flight

This location took advantage of the seat back bulkhead to carry the thrust loads into the fuselage but put the weight of the engines behind the CG.

In order to get the airplane within the published range of CG fifty pounds of ballast were installed in the nose of the airplane.  Ground runs in this aft location proved that surface temperatures would not be a problem regardless of winds or power setting.  

The worst temperatures were observed at idle power with a quartering tailwind.  At the higher power settings the exhaust plume (while hotter) was narrower and from a temperature standpoint did not impinge on the tail. 

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