Rand-Robinson Engineering Kr-2

Single Piston

The Rand-Robinson KR-2 is a two-seat homebuilt aircraft designed by Ken Rand in the early 1970s, notable for its exceptionally efficient all-wood construction and tiny frontal area that delivers remarkable cruise speeds from modest powerplants. Originally conceived around Volkswagen automotive conversions producing just 60-80 horsepower, the KR-2 routinely achieves cruise speeds of 160-180 knots—performance rivaling factory-built aircraft with twice the engine power. The design's secret lies in its sleek fuselage, minimal wetted area, and careful attention to laminar flow, making it one of the fastest homebuilts per horsepower ever created. Builders construct the airframe primarily from spruce and mahogany plywood using plans and partial kits, with build times typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 hours. The tandem seating arrangement and side-by-side fuel tanks in the wings keep the fuselage narrow, while the folding wings allow for trailer storage—a practical feature for builders without hangar access. The KR-2's handling characteristics demand respect: its high wing loading and relatively high approach speeds make it a poor choice for short or soft fields, and the design has earned a reputation for requiring precise speed control on final approach. Despite—or perhaps because of—these demanding flight characteristics, the KR-2 has cultivated a devoted following among builders who prize efficiency and speed over forgiving handling. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with SCHULER EDWARD A JR the most frequently observed.