0 Items- Home >
- World's Fastest Four-Engine Piston-Powered Aircraft: Story of the Republic XR-12 Rainbow
Still the fastest multi-engine piston aircraft ever flown, the Republic XR-12 and its competitor, the Hughes XF-11, were well ahead of their time in 1946. Envisioned as a long-range photo-reconnaissance aircraft with a top speed of more than 450 mph, the Republic XR-12 also offered near jet-like performance for the world's airlines with a 44-passenger commercial version named the Rainbow. Using original Republic photos, data, and artwork, the author reveals never-before-published information about the Rainbow airliner. While the clear emphasis of this book is on the Republic airplane, the Hughes XF-11 is also covered and compared in its role as a twin-engine competitor to the more advanced four-engine Republic airplane. Although the XR-12 and XF-11 were among the most elegant-looking aircraft ever built, the Rainbow was considered to be Republic chief designer Alexander Kartveli's ultimate masterpiece. Conversely, the more cantankerous XF-11 almost took the life of its designer and chief test pilot, Howard Hughes.
Pages: 144
Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: b/w
Publisher: Specialty Press
ISBN: 9781580072021
Product Code: SP163P
Reviews
-
Plane Talk Newsletter (War Eagles Air Museum)
-
(Posted on 6/30/2011)"If you're interested in this unique aircraft, you definitely need to pick up a copy."
-
Airliners Magazine
-
(Posted on 1/31/2012)"Machat tells the Rainbow's captivating story with clarity and passion. Moreover, he has illustrated this wonderful tome with many rare photographs and drawings, including some of his own. It is a great read, and a fine addition to any aviation enthusiast's collection."
-
Modeling Madness
-
(Posted on 5/31/2011)"It is a book that is the best of Specialty Press and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I am sure that you will as well and most highly recommend to you."
-
Model Aircraft Monthly
-
(Posted on 5/31/2011)"Specialty Press has forged a brilliant reputation with gems like these. Treat yourself to loads of fun
-
Internet Modeler
-
(Posted on 5/31/2011)"This is a very nice edition detailing a sadly forgotten aircraft that would be welcome in any library."
-
-
(Posted on 7/31/2011)"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it has provided me with an excellent reference for the kits I want to build. I wholeheartedly recommend this work to the modeler and to the historian."
-
Hyperscale
-
(Posted on 8/31/2011)"Not only a detailed look at the development of the XR-12 but also the story of its rival, the Hughes XF-11. Also covers the history of republic aviation and provides a 'what-if' glimpse of what might have become of production R-12 and RC-2 aircraft."
Mike Machat
Originally from New York, Mike Machat is a well-known American aviation artist, author, and historian. He served in the U.S. Air Force, was a Staff Artist for McDonnell Douglas Corporation, and was elected first president of the American Society of Aviation Artists. Machat's artwork has won numerous awards, and his paintings reside in the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and the Pentagon. As a pilot, he holds an FAA Commercial Certificate, has flown in 225 different types of aircraft, and logged more than 2,000 flights in sailplanes.
