Wheeling PJ1

Wheeling PJ1
Press release image of the Wheeling PJ1
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Wheeling Aircraft Co.
Introduction 1982
Number built 1

The Wheeling PJ1 was an American single seat homebuilt aircraft equipped with two pulse-jet engines.[1][2]

Design and development

The PJ1 was designed and built by Douglas S. Wheeling of Pontiac, Michigan. The aircraft was a low-wing monoplane, with a fixed tricycle undercarriage. The fuselage was of simple design, with the pilot located under a bubble canopy. The wings had no dihedral and had a slightly tapered planform. Cylindrical fuel-tanks were located at the wingtips. Two tailfins were located at the tail of the fuselage.[1]

The aircraft's most notable feature was its propulsion, supplied by two Gluhareff pulse jet engines, mounted to the rear of the canopy. One contemporary image shows the engines positioned close together, on struts rising from the fuselage. Another image shows them on struts which cant inwards from the wing.[1]

Operational history

Wheeling obtained the FAA registration of N17PJ for the aircraft in May 1980.[3] The PJ1 was shown in a semi-completed state at the 1982 EAA Oshkosh airshow, however it is not known if the aircraft was subsequently completed, or if any flights had been made with it.[2]

Specifications

Data from Minijets[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Max takeoff weight: 661 lb (300 kg) with internal fuel only
  • Powerplant: 2 × Gluhareff G8-2-130R pulse jets

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 300 kn (340 mph, 550 km/h)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Whilling PJ1". Minijets (in French). 2025. Archived from the original on March 12, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Gradidge, J.M.G. "Oshkosh 1982". Air Pictorial. Vol. 44. Oshkosh, WI: HPC Publishing. pp. 428–429.
  3. ^ "N17PJ". FAA Aircraft Inquiry. 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2025.


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