Parker 2nd Ranger

2nd Ranger
Role Motor glider
National origin United States
Designer W.L. Parker
First flight 1967
Introduction 1967
Status Sole example on display at the Tillamook Air Museum
Number built one

The Parker 2nd Ranger, also called the Parker Ranger is an American mid-wing, single-seat motor glider that was designed and constructed by W.L. Parker of La Grande, Oregon, first flying in 1967.[1][2][3]

Design and development

Parker originally built the Ranger and equipped it with a 15 hp (11 kW) and a 31 in (79 cm) propeller that was unable to provide enough thrust to allow the aircraft to take-off. The engine was replaced with a Richter 35 hp (26 kW) powerplant which rectified this defect. The engine is retractable and mounted behind the cockpit.[1][2]

The aircraft is constructed from aluminium. The 37.5 ft (11 m) wing employs a laminated aluminium spar and a NACA 4418 airfoil. The Ranger is not equipped with any glidepath control devices, such as dive brakes. The landing gear is a single centreline mainwheel plus a nose-mounted second wheel to allow taxiing.[1][2]

The aircraft was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - amateur-built category. Only one was built.[1][2]

Operational history

Specifications (2nd Ranger)

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

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
  • Aspect ratio: 12:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 4418
  • Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)
  • Gross weight: 780 lb (354 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Righter , 35 hp (26 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 18:1 approximately
  • Wing loading: 6.5 lb/sq ft (32 kg/m2)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Activate Media (2006). "Ranger Parker". Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 125. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N2715". Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  4. ^ Tillamook Air Museum (n.d.). "Aircraft List". Retrieved January 18, 2015.