Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 "Rhein Flight 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
  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. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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