Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

Last updated
RF-1
RF-1.jpg
General information
Type Experimental aircraft
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Rhein Flugzeugbau GmbH
Designer
Hanno Fischer
Number built1
History
First flight15 August 1960

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

Contents

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

  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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