So an interesting question came up are there any turbine jet drones?
im thinking here the applications are endless maybe rapid response to collect intel.
at what speeds can they fly?
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an rc jet can reach speeds of over 300mph with an off the shelf turbine and an airframe capable of handling it. no afterburner required. The problem is that most RC jet engines have centrifugal single stage compressors and single stage turbine wheels, among other simplicities that make them horribly inefficient. I would think it wouldn't be that hard to make a small 180mph jet fly for 30-60 min.
I guess you havnt heard of the "Global Hawk"? Or the Predator? Etc etc. Just put UAVs into Google and see what you get.
We are working on one now as a target drone. Will advise when we can release more info. Should be capable of 300mph minimum under afterburner (yep!)
Oh, should add that this is a military funded R&D project.
The potential use of small turbine UAS is the reason banning model jets in the USA is still sat on the table at the FAA.
Also on the table a speed restriction for all model aircraft over there. I don't think it was by accident that somebody was given cash for a turbine to try and hit something. http://www.suasnews.com/2011/09/8525/cnn-reporting-pentagon-attack-...
SAMAA might have to go the same way if the SACAA hear about it. Be careful what you wish for.
I don't think this really is the space to discuss turbine UAS.
Increased Loiter time requires increased fuel efficiency.
True turbines used in R/C are fuel hungry speed demons.
I guess it depends on your intended mission.
The Lockheed "Blackbird" SR 71 carried a drone on its back which was air-launched, and even faster than the Blackbird, achieving nearly Mach 4.After a launch accident which totalled both aircraft the system was discontinued.