Ross R-2 Ibis

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

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]

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)

This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.

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

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Activate Media (2006). "R-3 Ross". Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 60. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920