The RF5 is a two place light aircraft/motorglider. Has a folding wings to fit in std size T-hangers. Also is aerobatic.

Many RF5 and RF5Bs have been re engined with Limbach 2000, Revmaster 2100D, Rotax 912 and Sauer engines.

RF5

Wing Span 45ft 1in (13.74m)
Empty Weight 925lb (420kg)
Gross Weight 1.433lb (650kg)
Max Cruise Speed 115mph (185km/h)
Economy Cruise (75mph) (120km/h)
Stall Speed 45.5mph (73km/h)
Service Ceiling 16,400ft (5,000m)
Engine 68hp Limbach SL 1700 E (prototype flew with Rectimo 1600)
Propeller Hoffman Fix Pitch
L/D 22:1

First Flight January 1968

The RF5B Sperber (Sparrow) is a Sportavia-Pützer redesign of the RF5. Having a longer wing and lower turtle deck.

RF5B

Wing Span 55ft 10in (17.02m)
Empty Weight 1,014lb (460kg)
Gross Weight 1,499lb (680kg)
Max Cruise Speed 118mph (190km/h)
Economy Cruise (75mph) (120km/h)
Stall Speed 42.5mph (68km/h)
Service Ceiling 18,050ft (5,500m)
Engine 68hp Limbach SL 1700 E (1 prototype with 2 cyl 65hp Franklin)
L/D at 61mph 26:1

First Flight May 1971

Prototype RF5B test flying with Franklin Engine (51001)

Soaring Magazine March 1972

The second RF5B Sperber D-KHEL experimentally fitted with a 65hp two cylinder Franklin engine. I have noted on the back of the print: "Very noisy, lots of vibration".

RF5 #5001 Prototype with Rectimo 1600

Prototype RF5B test flying with added rear ballast (51001)

Prototype RF5B (51001)

Biggin Hill, UK was later lost in hanger fire in Kenley (Jim Smith Photo)

#5071

(Compton Abbas, UK)

(Jim Smith Photo)

based at Seighford, UK

#5063

Unterwoessen, Bavaria / Germany

Fournier RF5 #5044