Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1
Role Experimental aircraft
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Rhein Flugzeugbau GmbH
Designer Hanno Fischer
First flight 15 August 1960
Number built 1

The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 "Rhein Flight RF-1" was a prototype aircraft that utilized the principles of channel wing aircraft.[1]

Contents

Design and development

The RF-1 is a modification of the channel wing concept, that uses a single channel and propeller to eliminate the asymmetrical lift issues with a twin channel wing design. The "channel" is an airfoil-shaped section along the lower arc of the rearward propeller that produces additional lift from the propwash. The RF-1's propeller was completely shrouded, creating a hybrid ducted propeller. [2] Twin engine redundancy is maintained with multiple engines driving a central propeller with freewheeling clutches to allow for an engine failure.[3]

The aircraft had the unique shape to facilitate a channel wing design. The fuselage was composed of welded steel tubing with a composite skin. The landing gear was electrically retractable.

Operational history

The prototype was built at Krefeld/Mönchengladbach and was only flown once.[4]

Variants

RF-1 V1
The original prototype
RF-1 V2
A modified prototype that did not go into production. Changes included 275 hp (205 kW) engines.

Specifications (Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1)

Data from Flight

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

References

  1. ^ "RHEIN-FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH". http://www.aviastar.org/manufacturers/1773.html. Retrieved 29 August 2011. 
  2. ^ H. Spintzyk. North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development. 
  3. ^ Flight. 11 March 1960. 
  4. ^ Flight. 19 October 1961.