Rensselaer RP-3

Last updated

RP-3
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Designer Brian E. Thompson
Introduction1998
StatusSole example on display in the New York State Museum
Number builtone

The Rensselaer RP-3 (for Rensselaer Polytechnic design 3) is an American mid-wing, T-tailed single-seat, glider that was designed by Brian E. Thompson and produced by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York. [1] [2]

Contents

Design and development

The RP-3 was the third aircraft design in Rensselaer's Composite Aircraft Program and was completed in 1998. [1] [2]

The aircraft is of composite construction. Its 54 ft (16.5 m) span wing employs a Wortmann FX-67-K170/17 airfoil and features split flaps. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel, with an auxiliary tailwheel. The aircraft is considerably larger and heavier than its predecessors, the RP-1 and RP-2, with an empty weight of 650 lb (295 kg) and a gross weight of 1,000 lb (454 kg). Despite its large wingspan the RP-3 achieved only a 32:1 glide ratio. [1] [3]

Only one RP-3 was built and it was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category. [1]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (RP-3)

Data from Sailplane Directory [1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Activate Media (2006). "Rensselaer RP-3". Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  2. 1 2 Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results" . Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  3. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage" . Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  4. Berek, Daniel L. (May 2011). "Aircraft N397RP Photo" . Retrieved August 24, 2011.