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Founded in 1957, RFB obtained license from Rhein-West
Flug to build the RW-3 Multoplane in 1957, flying
first production aircraft in 1958 and following with a small
batch. Built and flew RF1 six-seat STOL transport in 1960;
with two Lycoming engines geared to drive single pusher
propeller in a wide-chord duct. In 1968, VFW-Fokker
acquired 65% of shares in RFB, and in 1969 RFB
acquired a percentage holding in Sportavia company.
Company became busy with military contracts for overhaul,
and target towing for some years, and built in collaboration
with Grumman-American the Fanliner
two-seat light aircraft with Wankel rotary engine, first flown
in 1973. It was reengined in 1976 with a Dowty Rotol
ducted propulsor. Based on the Fanliner's promise, the
Federal German Government awarded a contract for two
Fantrainer prototypes with ducted fan engines, first flown
in 1977 and 1978. Production Fantrainer 400s and 600s
were ordered only by Thailand, the first (a 600) flying in
1984 and most assembled in Thailand from kits. Projected
Fantrainer 800 did not enter production; neither did the
proposed Tiro-Trainer with a turbofan engine. Company
ceased trading in 1997.
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All the World's Rotorcraft
Virtual Aircraft Museum
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