| Survival Research Labs: Best of the Yard: Williams Jet Engine Tests |
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The engine is part of an Auxillary Power Unit (APU) NAVAIR 03-105BD-1, manufactured by Williams Research (now Williams International
) in 1977. The purpose of the engine is to provide high volume compressed air and electricity to suppliment jet aircraft. Most moder
n jet aircraft have onboard APU's to start the main engines, and provide supplemental power to the aircraft. This particular APU was
only used to start the aircraft. The APU has all the components onboard to start, run, and continue running for the duration of tim
e it is needed. These include a fuel control, lubrication system with resivoir tank and integral lubricant cooler, starting system,
and electrical system. The starter is hydraulic, and would require a large "mule" (electric motor and hydraulic pump) to start the e
ngine. A Mitsubishi car starter was attached to the engine so the hydraulic starter could be removed.
Many thanks to Mike Allen for info on the engine specs, Steven Lassovszky is shown in the videos wearing a bulletproof vest during testing.
Experiment results positive in ability
of jet engine to burn hand (see exhaust temperatures).
APU specs:
Weight: 126.3 lbs
Length:29 inches
Width:14.2 inches
Height:20.7 inches
Fuel: jp-4 or jp-5
Turbine speed 100%: 62,000 rpm
Max overspeed: 66,000 rpm
Exhaust temp: 1210 degrees F, 654 degrees C
