Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

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 channel wing aircraft.

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.[1] Twin engine redundancy is maintained with multiple engines driving a central propeller with freewheeling clutches to allow for an engine failure.[2]

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.[3]

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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rhein Flugzeugbau.
  1. H. Spintzyk. North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development.
  2. Flight. 11 March 1960. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. Flight. 19 October 1961. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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