Richter Ric Jet 4

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Ric Jet 4
Richter Ric Jet 4 - front quarter view.jpg
Front quarter view of the Ric Jet 4
General information
TypeExperimental aircraft
National originAmerican
Manufacturer George Richter
Number built1
Registration N24RJ
History
First flight1974

The Richter Ric Jet 4 was an experimental ducted fan monoplane, dating from the early 1970s. It was developed by George Richter of Los Angeles, through his company Ric Jet Systems Research & Development. [1]

Contents

Design and development

Richter had conducted research into ducted fan aircraft, building and testing a series of progressively sophisticated flying models. A ⁠1/8⁠th scale model, based on a proposed full scale aircraft, performed so well that it prompted Richter to progress with making the full-sized version of it. [2]

The Ric Jet 4 was a mid-wing monoplane, constructed entirely from pop-riveted aluminum sheets, channels, and tubing. The pilot was located at the front of the fuselage, sitting in a reclined position in a fully enclosed cockpit. Located immediately behind the pilot, and at the aircraft's center of gravity was a Mazda Wankel rotary engine, which powered a two-bladed wooden fan. A cylindrical duct, some 10 ft (3.0 m) long, surrounded the fan. [2] The wings were located just ahead of the intake to the duct, and were set at an anhedral angle and with some sweep back. A cruciform tail was positioned above and to the rear of the duct. The aircraft was equipped with a retractable tricycle undercarriage, though flights were conducted with the wheels being locked down. The wings could be folded upwards, to a vertical position, which enabled the craft to be trailerable. [1]

The Ric Jet 4 incorporated some unusual control features. There were no ailerons, with lateral control being provided by spoilers in the wings' upper surface. There was a split rudder, which allowed for good low-speed directional control. [1] [2]

Operational history

The Ric Jet 4 in flight Richter Ric Jet 4 - side view.jpg
The Ric Jet 4 in flight

Testing of the Ric Jet 4 took place at the Mojave California airport, and progressed at relatively slow pace, due to budgetary constraints. By the early 1980s, the Ric Jet 4 was reported to have been donated to the Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino, California. [1]

Specifications

Data from Sport Aviation [2] , Popular Mechanics [3] , and Aerofiles [4]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 de Piolenc, F. Marc; Wright, Jr., George E. (2015). Ducted Fan Design - Volume 1. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. pp. 98–99.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Cox, Jack (March 1975). "The Ric Jet". Sport Aviation. Vol. 17, no. 3. Hales Corners, WI: EAA. pp. 30–33.
  3. ↑ "Homebuilt plane with a prop in the middle". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 149, no. 4. New York, NY: Hearst Corporation. April 1978. p. 8. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  4. ↑ Eckland, E.O. "American airplanes: Ric-Jet". www.aerofiles.com. Aerofiles. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
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