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| In 1918, Signori Adamoli and Cattani designed the smallest practicable single-seat fighter around the then most powerful rotary engine extant, the 200hp Le Rhone. The fighter, which was of wooden construction with fabric skinning, was an unequal-span unstag-gered biplane with Warren-truss type interplane bracing, unusual features consisting of the supplanting of orthodox ailerons with hinged and interlinked wing leading edges, and the use of rigid tubes rather than cables for actuation of the movable tail surfaces. The prototype was begun at the Farina works in Turin, but transferred to the Officine Moncenisio in Condove for completion. Armament comprised two 7.7mm machine guns. When flight testing was initiated it was discovered that the Le Rhone engine developed only 160hp and the fighter was thus seriously underpowered, development being abandoned after limited trials. The following estimated performance data were based on the use of a fully rated engine.
 | A three-view drawing (881 x 634) |
| ENGINE | 1 x 200hp Le Rhone |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 675 kg | 1488 lb |
| Empty weight | 470 kg | 1036 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 8.60 m | 28 ft 3 in |
| Length | 6.10 m | 20 ft 0 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 300 km/h | 186 mph |
| Art Deco, 11.09.2009 15:18 I am extremely dubious about claims made for this aircraft or even if it flew. If successful, there would be more than one. The most common report seema to claim that the 200hp engine produced only 80% power. ie 160hp. Followed by limited flight testing. Limited by what? The roll control is by hinged wing leading edges, not ailerons. The awesome torque produced by the largest rotary engine in the smallest airframe would seem to require a degree of control not available. Does anyone know the true story? reply |
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All the World's Rotorcraft |
