BTE Reaction 54 Wheels and Brake Package

Why spend a fortune on wheels and brakes just because your sport model happens to be powered by a turbine engine? The R54 isn't your typical heavy jet, so it doesn't have to conform to all the accepted jet "rules". Save your money for some more jet fuel!

The wheels are large enough to handle rough fields, yet light and soft enough to provide some shock absorption. The Reaction 54 lands so slowly that a brake is not really required, but AMA turbine regulations require some sort of braking device. The Kavan Unit is ideal for the R54 because it's inexpensive and easy to install, especially compared to a pneumatic system. It mounts on the nose wheel so it also provides a chunk of nose weight which is needed anyway.


 

 WHEELS AND WHEEL ACCESSORIES
 2  3" Sullivan Skylite Wheels (main wheels - chosen for their overall light weight and durability)
 1  3" Hangar 9 Pro-Lite Wheel (nose wheel - chosen for the hub which works well with the brake)
 1  7/32" o.d. x 4" Brass Tubing (cut as needed for brake bushing and optional wheel bearings)
 1  3/16" Wheel Collars (with set screws - use two on each main wheel and one on the nose wheel)

 BRAKE AND BRAKE ACCESSORIES
 1  Kavan Electromagnetic Brake (high-quality unit, manufactured in Germany)
 1  Microswitch (used to activate brake; turns on when hit by elevator servo arm at full down)
 1  9 Volt Connector (battery not included)
 1  Deans 2-Pin Connector (allows removal of the brake if necessary)
 1  3/4" x 1-1/2" Velcro Hook and Loop (for mounting 9V battery)
 1  3/32" x 1-1/2" square Birch Plywood (material for mounting microswitch)

 HARDWARE
 2  2-56 x 1/2" Machine Screws (for mounting microswitch)
 2  2-56 Blind Nuts (for mounting microswitch)
 4  2-56 x 3/8" Machine Screws, Flat Head (for brake disc wheel prongs)
 4  2-56 Hex Nuts (for brake disc wheel prongs)
 4  2-56 Nylon Insert Lock Nuts (for brake disc wheel prongs)
 4  #4 Flat Washers (for brake disc wheel prongs)
 1  4-40 x 1/4" Socket-Head Cap Screw (for brake set screw)

 1  2-Page Instruction Sheet (with installation tips and detailed photos)


Here's the Kavan brake installed on the nose wheel strut. The beauty of this system is its simplicity. It is always in place and ready to work. Unlike pneumatic systems, there's no air tank to fill and no connections to make at the field. Oh, you may have to replace the 9 volt battery at the beginning of each flying season, but it's a no-brainer after that.

Some modelers have expressed concern about applying full down elevator at high rolling speeds. No problem with the R54 because it lands so slowly. Quite honestly, you simply won't need to use the brake very often with the R54!


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