RC AMX-13 (Maker Faire: done!)

[Fluburtur]

I just tested the waterjet I designed for the tank and it is promising but doesnt work well yet.

Once it gets going it can pump around maybe 3 liters per second and I estimate 1-2kg of thrust which is plenty enough for the tank but it isnt self starting, it needs to be lowered quite down in the water before the prop can start to move water.

I will probably re-design the thing to keep the same propeller size but make the ducts smaller so it is easier to move water around.

If that can help, the propeller has 7 blades at 45° and the diameter is 50mm. I also tried to keep a constant cross-section area.

 

[Fluburtur]

I took the tank to the river with the new waterjet.

It works just as expected, im quite happy



My friend will be here in 2 weeks, will try to get some better video then.

 

[leaded50]

nice! If possible, your waterjet is gonna get easier "power-up" if the "prop" is lower to water.

 

[Fluburtur]

Yes but I wanted nothing poking out of the tank and the waterjet is designed as a failsafe in case I cant swim it back with the tracks so the few seconds for it to start up is alright.