MS19087
Well Known Member
COLORED SMOKE: I know this was brought up over the years, but I continue to toy with this project and have done a fair amount of research and investigation. I think colored smoke would be a fun option for lots of RV related events.
Presently, only a few not so desirable options exist. One is to put a cryo-type device on the wing tip and activate them remotely for one-time use. These are expensive and require aircraft mods.
Another option I have researched is provided by a US based company but is really only viable for jets (requires pumping atomized colored oil at the engine nozzle). This product has 2 significant drawbacks - the colored oil can/will stain the paint and the dye used is toxic and would be problematic if it entered the cockpit. The jet retrofit avoids these two issues due to the fact that the oil is injected in the rear of the aircraft at the engine nozzle.
Our high EGT temp ranges (1400*F) also present a problem for dyed oil - the dyes burn off at these temps and result is essentially white smoke.
I am working with a DuPont PhD (and dye expert) to test a different mineral oil based solution that addresses the issues identified above (staining, toxicity, maintaining vibrant colors). I am considering 4 colors at this time - RED, BLUE, YELLOW, PINK. Intention would be to use this product on existing installed smoke systems, but allow for colored smoke options.
So my POLL is to gauge interest in such a product as well as the cost threshold.
Presently, only a few not so desirable options exist. One is to put a cryo-type device on the wing tip and activate them remotely for one-time use. These are expensive and require aircraft mods.
Another option I have researched is provided by a US based company but is really only viable for jets (requires pumping atomized colored oil at the engine nozzle). This product has 2 significant drawbacks - the colored oil can/will stain the paint and the dye used is toxic and would be problematic if it entered the cockpit. The jet retrofit avoids these two issues due to the fact that the oil is injected in the rear of the aircraft at the engine nozzle.
Our high EGT temp ranges (1400*F) also present a problem for dyed oil - the dyes burn off at these temps and result is essentially white smoke.
I am working with a DuPont PhD (and dye expert) to test a different mineral oil based solution that addresses the issues identified above (staining, toxicity, maintaining vibrant colors). I am considering 4 colors at this time - RED, BLUE, YELLOW, PINK. Intention would be to use this product on existing installed smoke systems, but allow for colored smoke options.
So my POLL is to gauge interest in such a product as well as the cost threshold.