Rhein Flugzeugbau RF 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. Twin engine redundancy is maintained with multiple engines driving a central propeller with freewheeling clutches to allow for an engine failure.

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.

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: 32.5 m² (350 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; 157 kn)

Cruise speed: 260 km/h (162 mph; 140 kn)

Range: 750 km (466 mi; 405 nmi)

Service ceiling: 6,200 m (20,300 ft)