Raab-Katzenstein KL.1 Schwalbe
Raab-Katzenstein · Germany · first flew 1926 · light aircraft
The Raab-Katzenstein KL.1 Schwalbe (Swallow) was a German two-seat biplane trainer of 1926, notable for its pronounced wing stagger and the aerobatic displays performed in it by Gerhard Fieseler, who later founded Fieseler-Werke. Approximately 50 were built.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pronounced forward stagger with forward-leaning N-form interplane struts
- Thick-section wings giving a chunky biplane appearance
- Famous aerobatic aircraft — Gerhard Fieseler performed displays in it
A single-bay biplane with markedly staggered wings, thick wing sections, and forward-leaning N-struts. The open tandem cockpits, tailskid undercarriage, and modest size are typical of German club trainers of the period.
Specifications
- The Raab-Katzenstein KL.1 Schwalbe has a length of 6.5 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 152 km/h (94 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Founded by former pilots Karl Raab and Josef Katzenstein, the Kassel-based company produced the Schwalbe as a light trainer suited to the new German sport aviation movement permitted under relaxed Versailles restrictions. The aircraft gained fame through Fieseler's barnstorming displays, helping to market both the company and German aviation generally.
Variants
Several engine options were fitted across production, including the Siemens-Halske Sh.5, Sh.11, and ADC Cirrus; minor airframe revisions accompanied each.
Where you'll see it
Used by German aero clubs and private pilots through the late 1920s; some examples survived into the early 1930s.
Related aircraft
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