Richter Ric Jet 4

Richter had conducted research into ducted fan aircraft, building and testing a series of progressively sophisticated flying models. A ⁠1/8⁠th scale model, based on a proposed full scale aircraft, performed so well that it prompted Richter to progress with making the full-sized version of it.^[2]

The Ric Jet 4 was a mid-wing monoplane, constructed entirely from pop-riveted aluminum sheets, channels, and tubing. The pilot was located at the front of the fuselage, sitting in a reclined position in a fully enclosed cockpit. Located immediately behind the pilot, and at the aircraft's center of gravity was a Mazda Wankel rotary engine, which powered a two-bladed wooden fan. A cylindrical duct, some 10 ft (3.0 m) long, surrounded the fan.^[2] The wings were located just ahead of the intake to the duct, and were set at an anhedral angle and with some sweep back. A cruciform tail was positioned above and to the rear of the duct. The aircraft was equipped with a retractable tricycle undercarriage, though flights were conducted with the wheels being locked down. The wings could be folded upwards, to a vertical position, which enabled the craft to be trailerable.^[1]

The Ric Jet 4 incorporated some unusual control features. There were no ailerons, with lateral control being provided by spoilers in the wings' upper surface. There was a split rudder, which allowed for good low-speed directional control.^[1][2]

Testing of the Ric Jet 4 took place at the Mojave, California airport, and progressed at relatively slow pace, due to budgetary constraints. By the early 1980s, the Ric Jet 4 was reported to have been donated to the Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino, California.^[1]