The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 was a prototype channel wing aircraft.
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 FlightGeneral 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
Custer Channel Wing
References


