Republic XF-12 Rainbow
Republic Aviation Corporation · United States · first flew 1946 · light aircraft
The Republic XF-12 Rainbow was an American four-engine long-range photo-reconnaissance aircraft that was one of the fastest piston-engine aircraft ever built. Intended for high-speed strategic reconnaissance, it was never put into production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 28.59 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- American four-engine high-speed photo-reconnaissance aircraft prototype from 1946
- Extremely clean low-wing design with flush engine nacelles for minimal drag
- Four Wasp Major engines with innovative 'Belly System' exhaust for propulsive thrust
One of the cleanest piston-engine aircraft ever built — four large radial engines flush-cowled into a perfectly smooth wing leading edge, an exceptionally long fuselage, and no protruding features make it instantly distinctive.
Specifications
- The Republic XF-12 Rainbow has a length of 28.59 m (94 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 39.36 m (129 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 756 km/h (470 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Republic Aviation in the early postwar period and first flown in 1946, the XF-12 achieved remarkable performance through meticulous aerodynamic refinement and innovative engine installation. Only two prototypes were built before the programme was cancelled in favour of jet aircraft.
Variants
Two XF-12 prototypes were constructed; a proposed passenger variant called the RC-2 Rainbow airliner was studied but never built.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the United States Army Air Forces and the emerging USAF; not adopted for service as jet reconnaissance aircraft made piston-powered types obsolete.
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