RAND KR-1

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rand KR-1 is a compact and lightweight aircraft, inspired by the Taylor Monoplane but featuring a shorter 17-foot wingspan, powered by a Volkswagen engine, and achieving an impressive 32 miles per gallon.
  • Its unique construction blends conventional wood with polystyrene foam, covered in Dynel fabric and epoxy resins, and incorporates wings modeled after the British Spitfire airfoil along with retractable landing gear for enhanced performance.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 600. Empty wt. 310. Fuel capacity 7.5. Wingspan 17’2″. Length 12’6″.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 140. Cruise mph 130. Stall mph 42. Climb rate 700 fpm. Takeoff run 300. Landing roll 800. Range 500.

The Taylor Monoplane with a wingspan of almost 22 feet prompted Rand’s original concept. Rand ended up with a wing that had a wider chord but spanned only 17 feet, and the airplane weighed 150 pounds less than the Monoplane. Powered by a Volkswagen engine, it can squeeze 32 miles out of a gallon of automotive gas. The structure of the KR-1 combines both conventional and unconventional materials. The ship is basically a wooden box with polystyrene foam to round out the aerodynamic shape; it is covered with 4-ounce Dynel fabric and epoxy resins. The wings are modeled after the airfoil of the British Spitfire. Retractable gear adds to its performance.

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