Ross R-2 Ibis
The Ross R-2 Ibis was a single seat, mid-wing, gull winged glider that was designed by Harland Ross in about 1938, under a commission from the Soaring Society of America. The sole example was destroyed in 1940.[1][2]
| R-2 Ibis | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Harland Ross |
| Designer | Harland Ross |
| First flight | circa 1938 |
| Status | One built, written off 1940 |
| Number built | One |
| Developed from | Ross RS-1 Zanonia |
| Variants | Ross RH-3 |
Design and development
With the success of the Ross RS-1 Zanonia placing third at the 1937 US Nationals and also winning second place in the Eaton Design Contest, the Soaring Society of America commissioned Ross to design and build a new sailplane for the SSA's promotional use. The resulting R-2 was named for the Ibis bird and was very similar to the RS-1, using a similar gull wing of 48 ft (14.6 m) span and an all-flying tail.[1][2]
Even though the sole example was only flown for three years the R-2 lead to the Ross RH-3 design.[1][2]
Operational history
In use the R-2 was quite successful, making the first wave soaring flight in the United States on 25 October 1938 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.[1][2]
The glider was written off after an auto-towing accident in 1940 after the pilot attempted to reverse the tow.[1][2]
Specifications (R-2)
Data from Sailplane directory and Soaring[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
References
- Activate Media (2006). "R-3 Ross". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
- Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 60. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920