Teichfuss Grifo
| Grifo | |
|---|---|
| Role | Training glider |
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | F.A.L. Teichfuss (Fabrica Alianti Teichfuss), la Aie, Pavulla |
| Designer | Luigi Teichfluss |
| First flight | 1934 |
| Number built | 3 |
| Developed from | Teichfuss Nibio I |
The Teichfuss Grifo was an Italian training glider designed by Luigi Teichfuss and flown in 1934. It was built in small numbers.
Design and development
The Grifo single-seat trainer was intended as an improved version of the Teichfuss Nibio I. It was a braced high-wing monoplane, with a single spar wing. Apart from full rounded wing tips the wing was rectangular in plan, with plywood covering from the spar forward around the leading edge forming a torsion resisting D-box. Aft of the spar the wing was fabric-covered. Ailerons occupied more than half the span. The wing was held over the fuselage on a pedestal and braced on each side by a pair of parallel faired struts to the lower fuselage.[1]
The Grifo's fuselage was a ply covered wooden hexagonal structure with deep sides. The open cockpit, fitted with a small windscreen, was immediately ahead of the pedestal which dropped rapidly away to the upper fuselage behind the trailing edge. All the tail surfaces were straight-tapered and straight-tipped, with the tailplane mounted on top of the fuselage and carrying unbalanced elevators. The fin was small but mounted a large, balanced rudder which extended down to the keel, working in an elevator cut-out and provided with a protecting tail bumper. The Grifo's landing skid, equipped with rubber shock absorbers, was short, only reaching as far aft as the forward wing strut.[1]
The Grifo first flew in 1934.[1] Three were built[2] and used by flying clubs.[1]
Specifications
Data from Pedrielli (2011) pp.42-3[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Length: 6.53 m (21 ft 5 in)
- Wingspan: 14.20 m (46 ft 7 in)
- Wing area: 16 m2 (170 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 12.60
- Empty weight: 135 kg (298 lb)
- Gross weight: 220 kg (485 lb)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: estimated 17:1
- Rate of sink: 0.9 m/s (180 ft/min) minimum[2]
- Wing loading: 12.9 kg/m2 (2.6 lb/sq ft)