Ross RH-3

The Ross RH-3 is a single seat, mid-wing glider that was designed by Harland Ross.[1][2]

RH-3
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Marvin Hicks
Designer Harland Ross
First flight 1 January 1963
Primary user Marvin Hicks
Number built One
Developed from Ross R-2

Design and development

Ross designed the R-3 as simplified version of the Ross R-2 Ibis with the intention of making the aircraft type easier to construct for amateur builders. The fuselage remained similar to the R-2, but the wing was redesigned as a straight wing, in contrast to the R-2's complex gull wing. The R-3 design was intended to be of all-wooden construction and employed a NACA 23018 airfoil section. Ross never constructed an example of the R-3.[1][2]

Marvin Hicks of Aurora, Colorado purchased a set of plans and built a modified version of the aircraft over a ten-year period, culminating in a first flight on 1 January 1963. Hicks' aircraft used an increased span wing with flaps and a NACA 63 (3)-618 laminar flow airfoil. He designated the aircraft as the RH-3, indicating Ross-Hicks as contributing designers. The RH-3 proved to be a good performer in soaring contests.[1][2][3]

Variants
R-3
Original Ross design, with a NACA 23018 airfoil. None built.[1][2]
RH-3
Hicks modified Ross design, with a NACA 63 (3)-618 laminar flow airfoil. One built.[1][2]

Specifications (RH-3)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m)
  • Wing area: 146 sq ft (13.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 17:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 63 (3)-618
  • Empty weight: 480 lb (218 kg)
  • Gross weight: 715 lb (324 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 34:1 at 58 mph
  • Rate of sink: 126 ft/min (0.64 m/s) at 40 mph
  • Wing loading: 4.9 lb/sq ft (24 kg/m2)

See also

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "R-3 Ross". Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 60. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 8, 2011.
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