The Razorback F1 ("Fits One")
The RTFM-Aero Razorback F1 (“fits one”) designed by Duncan Meyer, Brisbane, Australia, started out as a personal project born out of a desire to fly an exciting, sexy aircraft on a working man’s budget, and has evolved into a new kit aircraft, available in early 2013. We see no reason why an aircraft should cost more than the average family car, so no effort is being spared to keep costs realistic.
What makes the Razorback F1 so exciting?
- It will be FAST… You’ll be cruising at 150kts – while sipping a mere 12 litres an hour.
- It will stall at only 42kts, making approaches and landings safe and manageable, even for low-time pilots.
- All composite construction, carbon fibre spar, removable wings.
- Distinctively sexy looks. And let’s face it, good looks count.
- Outstanding “fighter” like performance. Fully aerobatic.
- Mid-wing configuration.
Quick specs:
- Configuration: Single seat. Tailwheel. Tractor (engine up front).
- Length: Fuselage: 10.5 ft. (From spinner tip to tail tip: 14.6ft)
- Wings: Span 18.5 ft (Removable). AR = 8. Carbon spar.
- Weights: 348lbs (fitted with the Thunder Chief engine, ready to fly) Airframe only: 218lbs
- Power-plant: Water-cooled, 80hp, 121lbs, 12 l/hr
- Cruise: 150kts
- Stall: 42kts
Powerplant:
The Razorback is powered by the exciting Thunder Chief aviation engine. After an exhaustive search for a light, reliable and powerful aviation-specific engine, the choice turned out to be remarkably easy. Producing a very healthy 80hp, this fuel injected water-cooled 850cc engine weighs only 121 lbs, and consumes in the region of 12 litres an hour in the cruise. We couldn’t be happier with this pedigree.
Factory prototype status:
All templates are complete, and the factory prototype is now under construction for projected completion by mid 2012. At that point, extensive air trials will commence, and we hope to be taking orders for the first kits by Christmas or early in 2013.
Kit details:
Kits will consist of all the composite parts pre-fabricated – this includes the fuselage (with integral seat, firewall and control panel), wings and horizontal stabilizer. All other required hardware is readily available at Aircraft Spruce and other aircraft supply companies. You will be free to install your choice of instrumentation, although the factory plane will use the MGL Avionics Enigma glass panel. You will be able to install your choice of engine, although we strongly recommend the Thunder Chief – however, you will be restricted to engines weighing no more than 120lbs.
