RAND KR-1B

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • This motorglider is a modified KR-1 featuring significantly longer wings (27 ft) and a larger tail, increasing its wing area from 64 to 91 sq ft.
  • Its wing design uses a combination of RAF-48 and GA(W)-2 airfoils, enabling responsive control and deadstick landings at 70 mph via spoiler/flap.
  • Powered by a 60-hp VW engine, the motorglider achieves a maximum cruise of 130 mph and an impressive range of approximately 950-1020 miles on 33 gallons of fuel.
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This sleek motorglider is essentially a stock KR-1 with longer wings and a bigger tail. For a wing curve, an RAF-48 standard KR-1 airfoil was used for the center section and the GA(W)-2 airfoil for the replacement outer panels. The outer wing section provides a clean and responsive curve for use with a spoiler/flap control, permitting deadstick landings at 70 mph TAS. Where the stock KR-1 wingspan is 172″, the motorglider wingspan measures 27′ from tip to tip, thereby increasing square footage from 64 to 91. Power is supplied by
a 60-hp VW engine. Maximum cruise is 130 mph, and with 33 gallons of fuel, range is 950 miles while getting 29 mpg. At the standard 4-gph burn rate, 33 gallons should deliver 8.25 hours of flying at 120 mph for a range of 1,020 miles.

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