Development and Design
René Fournier conceived the RF-6 as a response to Sportavia's need for an affordable wooden aerobatic trainer. Drawing from his motorglider heritage, Fournier incorporated a high aspect-ratio wing design that would become the aircraft's signature characteristic. The collaboration between Fournier and German company Sportavia proved crucial, with engineers like Manfred Schliwa contributing to variant development.
Klaus Kruber piloted the RF-6 prototype on its maiden flight in March 1973, demonstrating the aircraft's potential as a training platform. The more significant RF-6B variant followed exactly one year later on March 12, 1974, with Bernard Chauvreau at the controls. This two-seat configuration featured side-by-side seating arrangements specifically designed for instructor-student operations.
The Manufacturer's Struggle
Avions Fournier, operating under René Fournier's leadership since the early 1950s, established a dedicated production facility in Nitray near Tours specifically for RF-6 manufacturing. Fournier mortgaged his personal assets to finance this ambitious venture, reflecting his confidence in the design's commercial potential. The company had previously achieved success licensing earlier designs to German manufacturer Sportavia-Pützer, which produced 155 units of the RF4D model starting in 1966.
However, French aviation authorities proved unsupportive, denying assistance due to fears that Fournier's aircraft would compete with other domestic manufacturers. This lack of governmental backing would prove devastating to the company's long-term viability.
Technical Innovation
The RF-6B initially employed a 100-horsepower Continental O-200 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine, providing reliable power for training operations. Continental had been manufacturing this engine series since the 1960s, making it a proven powerplant for light aircraft applications. Later production RF-6B-200 variants received upgraded 118-120 horsepower Avco Lycoming O-235-L2A engines in November 1980, improving performance characteristics.
The aircraft's all-wood construction with Dacron fabric covering represented both an economic necessity and design philosophy. This traditional building method reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity for aerobatic loads of +6g and -3g. The high aspect-ratio wing, derived from Fournier's extensive motorglider experience, provided excellent efficiency—a crucial advantage during the 1973 oil crisis.
Production History
French DGAC authorities granted the RF-6B its Type Certificate in April 1975, clearing the way for commercial production. The first pre-series aircraft, designated RF-6B-100, took flight on March 4, 1976, beginning a production run that would total exactly 44 units. Bernard Chauvreau conducted many of the delivery and test flights throughout this period.
Production continued until approximately 1980, when financial difficulties forced closure of the Nitray facility. The final aircraft, construction number 44 registered F-GANF and designated RF-6B-200, completed its first flight on August 16, 1980. Manufacturing proved economically unviable after about 40 units, leading to Avions Fournier's bankruptcy around 1977.
Civil Service and Operations
The RF-6B found its primary role in aerobatic training and sport flying operations throughout France and exported markets. Flying clubs and private owners appreciated the aircraft's excellent handling characteristics and maneuverability, qualities that made it particularly suitable for pilot training programs. The side-by-side seating configuration facilitated effective instruction, while the aircraft's aerobatic capabilities provided advanced training opportunities.
Unlike many contemporary designs, the RF-6B never entered commercial passenger or cargo service, remaining dedicated to its training and recreational mission throughout its operational career.
Legacy and Survival
Following Avions Fournier's bankruptcy, Slingsby Aviation acquired the RF-6B's production assets and intellectual property. The British manufacturer developed these into the T67 Firefly series, initially constructing nine aircraft from wooden kits before transitioning to composite construction. Nearly 300 Firefly variants were eventually produced, with some featuring engines up to 260 horsepower.
Today, at least two RF-6B aircraft remain in existence. One continues flying in France, while a second resides in the collection of the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. These survivors represent René Fournier's vision of efficient, environmentally conscious aviation design—concepts that proved decades ahead of their time.
The RF-6 stands as testament to innovative engineering constrained by economic realities, its limited production run belying its influence on subsequent trainer aircraft development through the successful Slingsby Firefly lineage.