Ron Patrick's Jet-Powered Volkswagen Beetle and Honda Scooter. - Neatorama

Ron fitted his VW Beetle with a 1350-hp GE Model T58-8F helicopter turboshaft engine. When he fired up 26,000 rpm jet, the fiery afterburner comes to life.

The cool thing is that the car is perfectly street legal! It still has the regular gasoline engine for everyday driving.

So, what's next for Ron?

Why a jet-powered Honda Metropolitan scooter for his wife, of course!

http://www.freewebs.com/jet_beetle/ | SF Gate Article | SF Gate Video

WHY?!
For the love of GAEA what are you thinking thats not even remotely safe.

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I WANT ONE!!!!!!
Where do I sign?
Since it IS a hybrid, will it be at the dealers in '08?

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I forwarded this article and series of pictures to my son whose engineering degree is in Aeronautical Engineering specializing in engine technology. What follows is his comments. "Cool, but how did he get it to do afterburner with a fixed nozzle. By definition, an engine that is capable of both afternurner and non-afterburner requires a variable nozzle, due to the change in mass flow and exit mach. The engine he used is from a helicopter which, first of all, is not even a turbojet or turbofan engine. The priamry function of a turboshaft engine like the one he used is to turn a shaft to power the rotor. I know he said that he modified it to provide rearward thrust, but it seems to me that the mechanics involved in designing the nozzle schedule to start an afterburn are more complex than what was shown in the pictures. I'm not necessarily saying it's a fake, because he does sound like he knows what he's talking about. But I'd be interested to know how he solved the variable nozzle problem."

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I have been very keen to attach a small apu to a bicycle for some years.
I would lkie some advice on how to source a small apu say up to 25 kg thrust for this task.
Here in Australia it is impossible to source at a reasonable cost.

Any suggestions for contacts please.
I am an auto engineer and not a crackpot.
Thanks
Eric

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I saw the images the Jet Bug and the Jet Scooter and can only say... Fascinating!!!

I'd very highly appreciate to receive a CD with a video describing the full story.

Could you send it to me? Please find my home address below.

Congratulations again for these projects and my thanks in advance for your sure cooperation.

All the best,

Carlos Frigerio
Av. Villavicencio, 793
X5016CRA CÃ³rdoba
Argentina

here's an alternate e-mail address: cafq4@hotmail.com

P/S: would you enable me to translate the website into Spanish and Portuguese - if so, please forward me a copy of the English texts.

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