First flight 1985 | ||
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.
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Design and development
The RP-2 was the second aircraft in Rensselaer's Composite Aircraft Program and first flew in 1985.
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.
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.
Specifications (RP-2)
Data from Sailplane Directory
General characteristics
Performance