Raab-Katzenstein RK-26
| RK-26 Tigerschwalbe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Training aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Raab-Katzenstein ASJA |
| Designer | Gerhard Fieseler |
| First flight | By the end of the 1920s |
| Status | retired |
| Primary users | Swedish Air Force Finnish Air Force |
| Number built | Raab-Katzenstein: ? ASJA: 25 |
Raab-Katzenstein RK-26 Tigerschwalbe, also known as the Fieseler F 1 Tigerschwalbe, was a German twin-seat biplane trainer aircraft designed by Gerhard Fieseler by the end of the 1920s.
Design and development
In December 1930, Fieseler was invited by the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) to present his aircraft for the Swedish aircraft manufacturing company ASJA. Flygvapnet was in need for a new trainer, and the RK-26 was an interesting aircraft. Fieseler had recently won a world aerobatics championship with an RK-26. ASJA then decided to buy one aircraft. It was tested with different engine configurations by Flygvapnet, who later ordered 25 aircraft from ASJA.
Operational history
The trainer was given the designation Sk 10 by Flygvapnet. It was used between 1932 and 1945, but was quite controversial during its active life. This was partly due to changes in the design, which made the aircraft 200 kg heavier than the original, and this changed its flight characteristics drastically. The aircraft was involved in many accidents. Of the 25 delivered aircraft, 18 were written off.
One aircraft, the SE-ADK was purchased in 1934 by a civilian, L. Hemmeringer. When the Winter War began, Hemmeninger donated the aircraft to Finland. The aircraft ended up being used by the Swedish Voluntary Air Force from 9 February 1940. The aircraft was painted in Finnish colors, but was used quite sparingly, due to lack of spares and the bad condition of its engine. Most of the time it was standing at the air force base in Veitsiluoto.
Survivors
One Sk 10, the only remaining Tigerschwalbe, is preserved at the Flygvapenmuseum.
Operators
Specifications (RK-26)
Data from Thulinista Hornettiin
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 6.55 m (21 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 8.40 m (27 ft 7 in)
- Height: 2.66 m (8 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 20.20 m² (217.3 ft²)
- Empty weight: 782 kg (lb)
- Useful load: kg (kg)
- Loaded weight: 1136 kg (lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 1,100 kg (2,420 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Armstrong Siddeley Lynx 7-cylinder radial engine, 149-160 kW (200-215 hp)PS
Performance
- Maximum speed: 190 km/h, 119 mph (102 knots, 117 mph)
- Cruise speed: 160 km/h
- Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
- Rate of climb: m/s (ft/min)
Armament
Avionics
none
Sources
- Heinonen, Timo: Thulinista Hornetiin, Keski-Suomen Ilmailumuseon julkaisuja 3, Gummerus Kirjapaino Oy, 1992, ISBN 951-95688-2-4
See also
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