Hi Gang
A year ago I subscribed for a year to RC Sport Flyer Magazine to
understand the incredible technology innovations happening to RC
aircraft and to figure out if some of these things might apply to
regular gliders. Well the latest issue dated October 09 has a full
feature article on the 304 glider with with a 8.8lb single stage
turbine. This turbine can produce almost a 100lbs of thrust although
its fuel efficiency is terrible. Since it runs up to 100,000 rpm most
of the noise it generates is above our hearing. Excellent article.
Also there is a full length article on the Jetcat turbine for 200mph
RC models which is not to be missed and info on the latest miniature
electric motors and lithium ion batteries. So go and locate and buy
the October issue of RC Sport Flyer. I guarantee, that for the
inquisitive of you, you will not be disappointed.
Dave

PS Probably 99% of all innovations that have occurred with helicopters
(both full size and in models) in the last 10 years have been through
the combined efforts of the RC folk to improve their toys. There has
to be a lesson learned somewhere from this? I guess models are
relatively inexpensive and disposable whereas real helicopters and
people are not.