The Rensselaer RP-3 (for Rensselaer Polytechnic design 3) is an American mid-wing, T-tailed single-seat, glider that was designed by Brian E. Thompson and produced by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York.^[1][2] It first flew in 1998.^[3]

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][4]

Only one RP-3 was built and it was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category.^[1]

• New York State Museum^[5]

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)

Related lists

• List of gliders

• Photo of the RP-3 in the NY State Museum