RF 4 | |
---|---|
RF 4D | |
Role | motor glider |
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | Alpavia / Sportavia-Pützer |
Designer | René Fournier |
Introduction | 1966 |
Number built | 159[1] |
Developed from | Fournier RF 3 |
The Fournier RF 4 is a single-seater motor glider designed by René Fournier in 1966. It is an aerobatic version of the Fournier RF 3.[1][2]
Conceived as a motor glider and sport touring aircraft, the RF 4 was introduced in 1966. It is of all-wood construction and is fully aerobatic. The landing gear consists of a monowheel gear which retracts forward into a fibreglass cowling. The main wheel has a brake which is manually operated. There is a small steerable tailwheel and wing-mounted outrigger wheels.[3]
An RF 4D was flown by Mira Slovak across the Atlantic Ocean while participating in the May 1969 Daily Mail Air Race. The flight won a £1,000 prize offered by the London Evening News for the best performance in the race by an aircraft under 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) gross take-off weight.[3] The main landing gear fork is an ongoing maintenance issue, with regular replacements needed.[4]
Data from In the Air:Number 230:Fournier RF 4D and Plane and Pilot[3][6]
General characteristics
Performance