Teichfuss Grifo

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]

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)

Related lists

• List of gliders