The Varga RMI-1 was a twin-engine turboprop-powered aircraft designed by Hungarian engineer László Varga [hu], and the world's first turboprop aircraft.[1] It was a fighter-bomber intended to test the new turboprop Jendrassik Cs-1 aero engine. Only one prototype was built, as with the signing of a mutual defence pact between Hungary and Germany in June 1941, it was decided to license produce the Daimler-Benz DB 605 piston engine and purchase the Messerschmitt Me 210 fitted with these engines to fill the fighter-bomber requirement. Due to difficulties with the original engines, the sole prototype was re-engined with German Daimler-Benz DB 605s in 1944 and undertook taxiing trials and high speed runs, but was destroyed by Allied bombing in June 1944 before making its first flight.[2]
Design
The RMI-1 was a low wing, twin-engined aircraft with two turboprop Cs-1 engines slung under the wings. It was designed to have a crew of two or three. The tail section was of the conventional type with a single vertical stabilizer.
Specifications (X/H)
Data from Repülő Muszaki Intézet Varga RMI-1/ X / H[1]
General characteristics
- Length: 12.74 m (41 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 15.7 m (51 ft 6 in)
- Height: 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
- Empty weight: 4,500 kg (9,921 lb)
- Gross weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Jendrassik Cs-1 turboprop, 750 kW (1,000 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 540 km/h (340 mph, 290 kn) estimated
- Varga RMI-1 X/H prototype
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Varga RMI-1 X/H under construction
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Varga RMI-1 X H under construction in 1944
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RMI-1 fighter - bomber in 1944
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Destroyed RMI-1 prototype
See also
Hungarian military aircraft from the same era
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
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