RP-1
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
First flight 1980
Status Production completed
Number built one

The Rensselaer RP-1 (for Rensselaer Polytechnic design 1) is an American low-wing, single-seat, foot-launchable glider that was designed and produced by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York.[1] It first flew in 1980.[2]

Design and development

The RP-1 was partly funded by NASA and was the first aircraft in Rensselaer's Composite Aircraft Program.[1]

The aircraft is of mixed construction, made from composites, Kevlar and PVC foam. Its 37.5 ft (11.4 m) span wing employs a Wortmann FX-63-137 airfoil. The aircraft weighs just 116 lb (53 kg) and was intended to be foot-launched. The landing gear consists of a main skid and dual tail skids. The aircraft achieved a 20:1 glide ratio. Only one was completed. The sole example has been preserved at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Schenectady, New York.[1][3]

Specifications (RP-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory[1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "RP-1 Rensselaer". Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
  2. ^ "J2mcL Planeurs - Fiche planeur n°". www.j2mcl-planeurs.net. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  3. ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved August 1, 2011.
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