RP-2
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Designer Steven J. Winckler
First flight 1985
Status Production completed
Number built 1

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

Design and development

The RP-2 was the second aircraft in Rensselaer's Composite Aircraft Program and first flew in 1985.[1]

The aircraft is of mixed construction, made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, Kevlar and fiberglass. Its 44.25 ft (13.5 m) span wing employs a Boeing 80-163 airfoil and features split flaps. The aircraft weighs just 273 lb (124 kg) empty. The landing gear consists of a conventional glider-style monowheel. The aircraft achieved a 29:1 glide ratio.[1][3]

Operational history

Initially registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category, by August 2011 the sole RP-2 built had been removed from the registry.[2]

Specifications (RP-2)

Data from Sailplane Directory[1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "RP-2 Rensselaer". 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 24, 2011.
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