Fournier RF 3
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | René Fournier |
| Products | Fournier RF-3 motor glider |
|}
The Fournier RF-3 is a single-seat motor glider created by René Fournier, with its maiden flight occurring in 1960.
Design and development
The initial motor glider, the Volkswagen-powered RF-1, featured a low-mounted wing with a high aspect ratio and was registered as F-WJGX. Its first flight took place on 6 July 1960. Subsequently, Fournier enhanced the design by introducing the RF-2, equipped with a Rectimo AR.1200 engine; two units were constructed in collaboration with Centre Est and made their first flights in June 1962.
To commercialize the RF-2, Fournier established Societé Alpavia and launched the RF-3 model. The RF-3 was presented for the first time at the Paris Air Show in June 1963, with production commencing later that year.
A strengthened version designed for aerobatics was developed and designated as the Fournier RF 4.
Variants
- RF-1
- Initial prototype built by Avions Planeur, first flown in 1960; only one unit produced.
- RF-2
- Enhanced version introduced in 1962; two units manufactured.
- RF-3
- Production model that debuted in 1963; Alpavia produced 89 aircraft at Gap-Tallard.
References
- Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. Airlife Publishing, Shrewsbury, England. ISBN 1-85310-194-X
- Taylor, John W. R. (1965). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd, London