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Rensselaer RP 1

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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.

Contents

Design and development

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

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.

Specifications (RP-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
  • Wing area: 129 sq ft (12.0 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 11:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX-63-137
  • Empty weight: 116 lb (53 kg)
  • Gross weight: 265 lb (120 kg)
  • Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 20:1 at 33 mph (53 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 120 ft/min (0.61 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 2.05 lb/sq ft (10.0 kg/m2)
  • References

    Rensselaer RP-1 Wikipedia