can anyone replicate this?

One model airplane propulsion system I used on a balsa glider was Jetex. It was a small aluminum can that a pellet of fuel was placed inside then the can was closed with a lid that had a hole out the back. In the hole was a wick that was lighted then when the pellet burned it made thrust with a loud HISS. The airplane disappeared and might have caught on fire and burned away in the sky.

I have heard that Chinese lanterns have caused fires. I saw one flying along with a fire burning inside causing it to rise.

How ironic. I built a balsa model in the 1950's and put a Jetex engine on it. It was covered with the usual tissue and dope (i.e., before Monokote). Made it half-way across our yard before disintegrating in flames. That was in So-Cal hills, so I guess I am lucky it didn't make it out of our backyard.

To keep OT, I have never used a gyro in any model airplane. I like to fly them myself.

John