Rhein-Flugzeugbau
X-113 Aerofoil Boat
The X‑113 Aerofoil Boat was a pioneering amphibious aircraft built by the German firm Rhein‑Flugzeugbau in the late 1930s. Conceived in 1936 as a response to the navy’s demand for a fast, sea‑capable scout, the X‑113 first flew on 12 May 1938 from the company’s Cologne‑Wahn airfield. Its most striking feature was an integrated hydro‑foil system that lifted the hull clear of the water during high‑speed runs, reducing drag and allowing cruise speeds of up to 340 km/h—unusual for a seaplane of the era. The airframe combined an all‑metal monocoque fuselage with a low‑wing, cantilever design and retractable floats that folded into the wing roots. Powered by a supercharged 900 hp Daimler‑Benz DB 605 V‑12, the aircraft could also operate from conventional runways, making it one of the earliest true amphibians with genuine dual‑mode capability. Although only a handful were built before production ceased in 1940, the X‑113 demonstrated the practical benefits of hydro‑foil technology and influenced post‑war designs such as the SR‑71’s water‑landing concepts. Its legacy endures as a key step toward modern maritime patrol and rescue aircraft that blend speed, versatility, and sea‑operability.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1970