Recommended Engine List
The Reaction 54 is designed to accommodate tubines in what is commonly
known as the "60N Class" (“N” is for Newton, a measure of force). Most of
these engines are based on a design pioneered by the Wren company in
England which used a 54mm diameter compressor wheel. In fact, Wren
supplied the critical turbine wheel for many of the early engines in this class.
The chart shown here is a list of turbines that are suitable for the R54. Most of
the information is taken from the websites of each company. Things change
fast in the turbine business, so please use this list as a starting point for your
research into the ideal turbine for your Reaction 54. Engines are shown in
alphabetical order.
Company/Turbine Made In Max Thrust RPM Range Diameter Weight
JetCat P60-SE Germany 13 lb. 50,000 - 165,000 3.25” 1.87 lb.
Comments: "Undersize" turbine that is light and powerful. Gas start. Great runner, great support. BTE Combo Deal!
JetCat P-70 Germany 17.5 lb. 35,000 - 123,000 3.7” 2.6 lb.
Comments: Oversize, but will fit on R54. No longer available, but used ones can be found.
Jet Central Bee II Mexico 14 lb. 55,000 - 180,000 3.15" 1.7 lb.
Comments: Well-established turbine. Smaller diameter than typical "54". Gas or kero start. BTE Combo Deal!
KingTech K-60G Taiwan 13.22 lb. 50,000 - 162,000 3.22" 1.88 lb.
Comments: Tight, light unit features kero start. Great price, and building a great reputation. BTE Combo Deal!
KingTech K-80G Taiwan 19 lb. 45,000 - 145,000 3.75" 2.88 lb.
Comments: Big and heavy for R54, but powerful. K-60G is a better choice for this plane. BTE Combo Deal!
PST J600R Thailand 14 lb. 55,000 - 160,000 3.5" 2.2 lb.
Comments: Beautifully-made Wren-based engine. Full Autostart. Shown on plans.
PST J800R Thailand 18 lb. 55,000 - 153,000 3.5" 2.2 lb.
Comments: Larger and heavier than the J600R. Full Autostart. Built-in FOD screen.
Wren 80 i-Kero England 18 lb. 50,000 - 160,000 3.5" 2.2 lb.
Comments: Ultra-efficient, optimized MW-54. Same size, more power. Factory assembled only.
Larger Turbines - The great modeling tradition of trying to shoehorn as big an engine as possible into an airframe can
get you in trouble with the R54. The next larger turbines over the ones listed here are physically too large to fit in the
intended engine area of the R54. Besides that, their weight and higher idle thrust are both problematic. Bottom line:
Don't use them on the R54.
Please visit www.btemodels.com for more information on how to save money with a BTE Combo Deal! R54
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT, continued...
Appendix A 36
JetCat P60-SE
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