Klemm Kl 36

The Klemm Kl 36 was a 1930s German four-seat cabin touring and competition monoplane designed and built by Klemm.

Kl 36
Role Touring aircraft
Manufacturer Klemm
First flight 1934
Introduction 1934
Primary user Germany
Produced 1934
Number built 12(?)

Development

Following the success of the three-seat touring plane Klemm Kl 32 in the European touring plane championship Challenge 1932, the company was ordered by the German Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) to develop another aircraft to take part in the next Challenge 1934. Due to changes of contest rules, it had to be more modern machine, four-seater with better performance and better STOL capabilities. Designer was Friedrich Fechner. As a result, new aircraft Kl 36 was a streamlined comfortable four-seater with rich wing mechanization, and was the fastest of all Klemms.

4 aircraft were built[1] of the first series Kl 36A (two powered with Argus As 17A, 225 hp inverted 6-cylinder in-line engine - registrations D-IJIP, D-IDIR, and two with Hirth HM8U, 250 hp inverted V8 engine - D-IHEK, D-IHAV, both engines were air-cooled).

Later, 8 additional aircraft were built[2] of 0-series, designated Kl 36B. They were powered with different engines, including 160 hp radial engine Siemens-Halske Sh 14 A-1. One was completed with a retractable landing gear (D-IUHU). Because of lack of a weight limit, they were somewhat heavier than Kl 36A.

Operational history

Four Kl 36As took part in the Challenge 1934 touring plane championship in August–September, but none completed a rally over Europe. A winner of two Challenges, Fritz Morzik, had to withdraw due to a fuel pump breakdown, but flew the rally track off the contest. During the technical part, they obtained good results in a minimal speed trial (57.67 km/h), but generally they proved inferior to the Fieseler Fi 97.

During World War II, Klemm Kl 36s served as liaison aircraft in the Luftwaffe.

Technical description

A mixed-construction low-wing cantilever monoplane with a conventional tailunit. A fuselage was made of steel frame, canvas covered. Three-part wing, outer parts of wings and tail surfaces were wooden, plywood covered. Wings were folding rearwards. The pilot and three passengers had an enclosed cabin, well glazed. The plane had a fixed tailskid landing gear, wheels had teardrop covers (removed during the Challenge contest due to weight). Wings were fitted with slats and flaps. Useful load was 490 kg. Engine in front, with two-blade propeller. Fuel tank 230 l.

Specifications
Klemm Kl 36 3-view drawing from L'Aerophile October 1934

Data from Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929–1934[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 3 passengers
  • Length: 9.2 m (30 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 2.38 m (7 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 19.5 m2 (210 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 560 kg (1,235 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,050 kg (2,315 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Argus As 17A 6-cylinder inverted in-line piston engine, 168 kW (225 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 250 km/h (160 mph, 130 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 5,900 m (19,400 ft)
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See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Citations
  1. According to Krzyżan, M. - 5 aircraft, along with a prototype
  2. 8 Kl 36B according to http://www.luftarchiv.de
  3. Krzyżan 1988, pp. 224–225.

Bibliography
  • Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929–1934", WKiŁ, Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 (Polish language)
  • Luftarchiv
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