Rand Robinson KR-2

Rand Robinson KR-2: The “Poor Man’s Spitfire”

The KR-2 is a revolutionary homebuilt aircraft designed by Ken Rand and Stuart Robinson. Bursting onto the scene in the 1970s, it proved that high speed and high efficiency didn’t require a massive budget. Built using a composite sandwich of wood, foam, and fiberglass (often called the “boat building” technique), the KR-2 offers fighter-like looks and performance for the price of a used car.

Why Is It a Legend?

• Speed on a Shoestring: The KR-2 is famous for its speed-to-dollar ratio. It was designed to cruise at impressive speeds using economical Volkswagen air-cooled engines, making it faster than many factory-built planes with twice the horsepower.

• Composite/Wood Hybrid: It uses a unique construction method: a wooden framework for strength, shaped with foam for aerodynamics, and covered in Dynel or fiberglass for durability. This makes it strong, light, and very smooth.

• Compact Dimensions: It is a tiny airplane. With a short wingspan and a removable wing option, many builders store their KR-2s in a standard single-car garage, saving a fortune on hangar fees.

• The “Pocket Rocket” Feel: With its retractable landing gear (on most models) and sensitive controls, flying a KR-2 feels like flying a miniature fighter jet. It is responsive, agile, and exciting.

Performance and Key Numbers
The KR-2 is built for efficiency and speed. Unlike the Jodel or Sky Pup, this aircraft is not about floating around slowly; it is about getting to your destination fast.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 2 (Side-by-side, though the cockpit is famously cozy/tight)

• Wingspan: 20 ft 8 in (6.30 m)

• Length: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m)

• Wing Area: 80 sq ft (7.4 m²)

• Empty Weight: 480 – 600 lbs (217 – 272 kg)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 900 – 1,100 lbs (408 – 499 kg)

• Useful Load: Approx. 450 lbs (205 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 60 – 100 hp (VW Type 4, Corvair, or Continental O-200)

Performance:

• Glide Ratio: Approx. 12:1

• Cruise Speed: 140 – 180 mph (225 – 290 km/h) (Highly dependent on build quality and engine)

• Stall Speed: 52 mph (84 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 800 – 1,200 ft/min (4 – 6 m/s)

• Takeoff Distance: 400 – 600 ft (120 – 180 m)

• Landing Distance: 500 – 800 ft (150 – 240 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 3.5 – 5 gallons per hour (13 – 19 L/h)

• Range: Approx. 1,550 miles (2,500 km) with long-range tanks

In short, the KR-2 is the perfect choice if you want high performance and cross-country speed on a minimal budget, and you don’t mind a tight cockpit or the challenge of piloting a sensitive, high-performance machine.