RFB Fantrainer
| Fantrainer | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Role | Basic trainer |
| Manufacturer | Rhein Flugzeugbau |
| First flight | 31 May 1978 |
| Introduction | 1982 |
| Number built | 50 |
| Developed into | Rockwell Ranger 2000 |
The RFB Fantrainer (or Fan Trainer) is a two-seat flight training aircraft which uses a mid mounted ducted fan propulsion system. It was developed by Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH (RFB) in Germany in the late 1970s and used by the German and Thai air forces. It won a competition in Germany beating the Pilatus PC-7 and Beechcraft Mentor as the best solution to the Luftwaffe's Basic Trainer Requirement. However, no orders were forthcoming as Germany had committed to buying US Fighters (F4 Phantom and F-104 Starfighter) which included a deal for pilot training in the USA. Lufthansa was also interested in the aircraft due to its jet-like handling. Users confirm it is very fuel-efficient and provided a true "jet feel" for a reasonable price. The Royal Thai Air Force used the FT400 and FT600 versions to train ab initio pilots who then went on to fly the Northrop F-5E fighter aircraft. In conjunction with the intended new production of the Fantrainer, initiated by the Fanjet Aviation GmbH in Germany, the Fantrainer 600 was renamed as "Fanjet 600".
The German company Rhein Flugzeugbau developed an interest in aircraft powered by ducted fans integrated into the fuselage in the 1960s, flying two modified gliders as testbeds in 1969 and 1971. In 1970 it announced a new project for a two-seat ducted-fan military trainer, intended to offer jet-like handling at low cost. In March 1975, RFB received a contract from the German Defence Ministry for two prototype Fantrainers for evaluation as replacements for Piaggio P.149s used as initial trainers by the Luftwaffe.
The first prototype (registration D-EATJ), powered by two EA871 110 kW (150 hp) NSU Wankel engines, made its maiden flight on October 27, 1977. This engine installation proved troublesome, and the second prototype (D-EATI), fitted with a single 310 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engine, flew on May 31, 1978. The second prototype crashed on September 7, 1978, which resulted in the first prototype being modified to Fantrainer 400 standard, with an Allison engine and revised air intakes. The Fantrainer was evaluated by the Luftwaffe against the Beechcraft T-34C and Pilatus PC-7 turboprop powered trainers, but although it was considered to be the most suitable of the three aircraft, being cheaper both to purchase (at DM 1 million per aircraft) and to operate, no orders resulted as it was decided that the Piaggio P.149 was still adequate for the Luftwaffe's needs.
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