Rohrbach Ro IX Rofix

The Rohrbach Ro IX "Rofix" was a German all-metal monoplane fighter aircraft designed in February 1924 by Kurt Tank for Rohrbach. The initial order for the aircraft was for 2 test aircraft, with a view of producing 50. Construction began in April 1926, and by the summer, the first prototype, with serial number 22, was complete. The prototype was tested in Denmark due to aircraft building restrictions on Germany at the time.[1] However twice the prototype crashed, first in January 1927, and again 15 July 1927 killing the pilot Paul Bäumer. Despite good characteristics in flight and landing, some problems led to modifications. It was powered by a 600 hp BMW VI engine, and two synchronized rifle calibre machine guns in the fuselage. Two more guns in the wings were planned.[2]

Rohrbach Ro IX
Role Fighter aircraft
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Rohrbach Metall-Flugzeugbau
First flight 1926

Specifications
Rohrbach Rofix 3-view drawing from L'Aéronautique February,1927

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 9.50 m (31 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.00 m (45 ft 11 in)
  • Height: 3.70 m (12 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 28.0 m2 (301 sq ft)
  • Powerplant: 1 × BMW VI water-cooled V-12 piston engine, 450 kW (600 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 285 km/h (177 mph, 154 kn)
  • Range: 770 km (480 mi, 420 nmi)

References
  1. Cain, Charles William (1979). Fighters of World War II. Exeter Books. p. 5. ISBN 9780896730267.
  2. Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (2001). The complete book of fighters: an illustrated encyclopedia of every fighter aircraft built and flown. Salamander. p. 502. ISBN 9781840652697.


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