Jonker JS-3 Rapture
Jonker Sailplanes · South Africa · first flew 2016 · glider
The Jonker JS-3 Rapture is a high-performance Open-class competition sailplane from South Africa built from carbon-fibre composites, designed for maximum soaring performance with an optional electric sustainer motor.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.86 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- Ultra-high aspect-ratio carbon-fibre wing
- South African-designed Open-class competition glider
Extremely long, slender wings of very high aspect ratio, a slim pod-and-boom fuselage, and a sleek carbon-composite finish are characteristic. At 21–24 m span it dwarfs most club gliders.
Specifications
- The Jonker JS-3 Rapture has a length of 6.86 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by brothers Attie and Uys Jonker at their Potchefstroom facility, the JS-3 was developed as a next-generation Open-class glider following the successful JS-1 Revelation. It first flew in 2016 and quickly achieved impressive competition results. An electric sustainer motor option was offered as the JS-3 RES.
Variants
JS-3 (unpowered) and JS-3 RES (with retractable electric sustainer motor). Wing span options of 21 m and 24 m are available.
Where you'll see it
Flown in international Open-class glider competitions worldwide; not a common sight at most airfields due to its high cost and specialist nature.
Related aircraft
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