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 |
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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
- Capacity: 6
- Length: 13.08 m (42 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 14.1 m (46 ft 3 in)
- Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 32.5 m2 (350 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,800 kg (3,968 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 360
- Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming O-540-A1A , 190 kW (250 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 290 km/h (180 mph; 157 kn)
- Cruising speed: 260 km/h (162 mph; 140 kn)
- Range: 750 km (466 mi; 405 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 6,200 m (20,341 ft)
See also
- Related development
References
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