Rensselaer RP-3

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RP-3
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Designer
Introduction 1998
Status Sole example on display in the New York State Museum
Number built one

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

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

  • 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)

See also[]

Related lists

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e Activate Media (2006). "Rensselaer RP-3". Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  2. ^ a b 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.

External links[]

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