Risk Reduction Prototype – 1st Flight

On October 2nd, 2018 our Risk Reduction Prototype (RRP) performed the first demonstrative flight.

The RRP is a prototype devoted to the aerodynamic and handling qualities assessment. It reproduces current shapes, sizes and weights of the Flying Prototypes. Moreover, it’s a platform for the safety pilots training.

We hadn’t developed yet neither the launching system based on pneumatic catapult, nor the landing system based on parachute, therefore the RRP was equipped with a rudimentary landing gear. The landing gear shall not appear in the final version of the Rapier, to minimize the total weight and to allow take-off and landing flexibility in every unprepared terrain.