Richter Ric Jet 4
| Ric Jet 4 | |
|---|---|
| Front quarter view of the Ric Jet 4 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Experimental aircraft |
| National origin | American |
| Manufacturer | George Richter |
| Number built | 1 |
| Registration | N24RJ |
| History | |
| First flight | 1974 |
The Richter Ric Jet 4 was an experimental ducted fan monoplane, dating from the early 1970s. It was developed by George Richter of Los Angeles, through his company Ric Jet Systems Research & Development.[1]
Design and development
Richter had conducted research into ducted fan aircraft, building and testing a series of progressively sophisticated flying models. A 1/8th scale model, based on a proposed full scale aircraft, performed so well that it prompted Richter to progress with making the full-sized version of it.[2]
The Ric Jet 4 was a mid-wing monoplane, constructed entirely from pop-riveted aluminum sheets, channels, and tubing. The pilot was located at the front of the fuselage, sitting in a reclined position in a fully enclosed cockpit. Located immediately behind the pilot, and at the aircraft's center of gravity was a Mazda Wankel rotary engine, which powered a two-bladed wooden fan. A cylindrical duct, some 10 ft (3.0 m) long, surrounded the fan.[2] The wings were located just ahead of the intake to the duct, and were set at an anhedral angle and with some sweep back. A cruciform tail was positioned above and to the rear of the duct. The aircraft was equipped with a retractable tricycle undercarriage, though flights were conducted with the wheels being locked down. The wings could be folded upwards, to a vertical position, which enabled the craft to be trailerable.[1]
The Ric Jet 4 incorporated some unusual control features. There were no ailerons, with lateral control being provided by spoilers in the wings' upper surface. There was a split rudder, which allowed for good low-speed directional control.[1][2]
Operational history
Testing of the Ric Jet 4 took place at the Mojave, California airport, and progressed at relatively slow pace, due to budgetary constraints. By the early 1980s, the Ric Jet 4 was reported to have been donated to the Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino, California.[1]
Specifications
Data from Sport Aviation[2], Popular Mechanics[3], and Aerofiles[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 22 ft (6.7 m)
- Wingspan: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Width: 2 ft 1 in (0.64 m) fuselage
- Powerplant: 1 × Mazda Wankel 12A rotary, 130 hp (97 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
- Maximum speed: 200 mph (320 km/h, 170 kn)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ a b c d de Piolenc, F. Marc; Wright, Jr., George E. (2015). Ducted Fan Design - Volume 1. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. pp. 98–99.
- ^ a b c d Cox, Jack (March 1975). "The Ric Jet". Sport Aviation. Vol. 17, no. 3. Hales Corners, WI: EAA. pp. 30–33.
- ^ "Homebuilt plane with a prop in the middle". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 149, no. 4. New York, NY: Hearst Corporation. April 1978. p. 8. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ Eckland, E.O. "American airplanes: Ric-Jet". www.aerofiles.com. Aerofiles. Retrieved 24 January 2026.