Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 was a prototype channel wing aircraft.

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

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: 32.53 m2 (350.2 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, 160 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 260 km/h (160 mph, 140 kn)
  • Range: 750 km (470 mi, 400 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,200 m (20,300 ft)

See also

Related development

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1.
  1. H. Spintzyk. North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development.
  2. "Sport and Business". Flight. Vol. 77, no. 2661. 11 March 1960. p. 337.
  3. Flight. 19 October 1961. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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