Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1

Rhein-Flugzeugbau · Germany · first flew 1960 · light aircraft

The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 was an experimental West German light aircraft featuring an unconventional pusher-engine configuration, designed to explore low-drag fuselage layouts in the early 1960s. It demonstrated clean aerodynamics with a nose free of propeller and engine bulk.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.08 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Postwar German light twin with pusher engine
Tandem-seat low-wing monoplane with rear-mounted pusher propeller
Clean nose profile due to aft engine installation

Distinguished by the complete absence of a nose-mounted engine, giving the aircraft a smooth pointed nose; the propeller is mounted at the rear of the fuselage, and the tandem cockpit is positioned well forward.

Specifications

The Rhein-Flugzeugbau RF-1 has a length of 13.08 m (43 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.1 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed by Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH, the RF-1 first flew in 1960 and served as a technology demonstrator for pusher-propeller configurations in light aircraft. The company later became known for the Fantrainer and other unconventional designs. The RF-1 contributed to research into rear-engine layouts for general aviation.

Variants

Built as a one-off or very small series demonstrator; no production variants are recorded.

Where you'll see it

Used solely as a development and research aircraft in West Germany; no operational service with any air arm.

Related aircraft

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