Rensselaer RP-3
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| RP-3 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Designer | |
| Status | Sole example on display in the New York State Museum |
| Number built | one |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1998 |
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] It first flew in 1998.[3]
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][4]
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
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 54 ft 0 in (16.46 m)
- Wing area: 179.76 sq ft (16.700 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 17:1
- Airfoil: Wortmann FX-67-K170/17
- Empty weight: 650 lb (295 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,000 lb (454 kg)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 32:1 at 51 mph (82 km/h)
- Rate of sink: 136 ft/min (0.69 m/s) at 45 mph (72 km/h)
- Wing loading: 5.56 lb/sq ft (27.1 kg/m2)