Sailplane · JS3
JS3 Rapture
The benchmark of the 18-metre class: over 270 built, uncompromising performance and a cockpit that makes long Alpine days a pleasure.
As the official JS partner in Switzerland we guide you from the first configuration to handover. The JS3 Rapture is the aircraft many of our pilots fly — here are the key facts, curated for Alpine and cross-country soaring.
Why the JS3
The JS3 combines competition-grade performance with handling that stays relaxed even on long Alpine flights: light on the controls, stable in the turn, with exceptional forward visibility.
It is configurable in 15 m and 18 m and available with either the JET sustainer or the all-electric RES drive — you choose between maximum range and silent, clean self-launch.
- 57 : 1
- Best glide ratio (18 m)
- 15 m / 18 m
- Wingspan
- JET / RES
- Propulsion
- 270+
- Built worldwide
Technical data
Figures for the JET configuration. The RES variant differs slightly in weight and top speed.
| 15 m | 18 m | |
|---|---|---|
| Best glide ratio (L/D) | 50 : 1 | 57 : 1 |
| Wing area | 8.75 m² | 9.95 m² |
| Aspect ratio | 25.4 | 32.8 |
| Empty weight | 315 kg | 325 kg |
| Max. take-off weight | 525 kg | 600 kg |
| Water ballast | 162 l | 196 l |
| Minimum sink | 0.53 m/s | 0.48 m/s |
| Wing loading | 40–60 kg/m² | 37–60 kg/m² |
| Never-exceed speed (VNE) | 280 km/h | 280 km/h |
| Manoeuvring speed (VA) | 208 km/h | 208 km/h |
| Max. aerotow speed | 180 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Cockpit crash resistance | 9 G | 9 G |
Cockpit & comfort
- Electrically in-flight adjustable pedals and room for pilots up to 2.03 m
- Cockpit shoulder width 525 mm, leather interior with storage pockets
- Forward-opening canopy and excellent visibility for traffic observation
- Light on the controls, stable in the thermal — hands-off thermalling possible
Performance in detail
- High-wing layout for maximum drag reduction and laminar flow
- Teflon/Mylar control-surface gap sealing and boundary-layer control
- Integrated bug-wiper garages and a hydraulic disc brake on the control stick
- Designed with calibrated CFD tools and 3D ergonomic simulation
Propulsion options
JET sustainer
The MD-TJ-42 jet sustainer is the perfect match: one switch, one throttle dial — and the security to get home. Runs on Jet A-1, Jet A or diesel. Sustainer only (not self-launch).
RES — electric
The Retractable Electric System offers true, silent self-launch. Two removable high-voltage batteries (25 kg each) in the fuselage, fully automated operation, 4–6 hour charge time. Lead time for the RES configuration is typically around 12 months.
Competition pedigree
First flight December 2016, EASA type certification July 2019. Since then the JS3 has dominated the 18-metre class — over 270 aircraft are flying worldwide. It builds on 20 years of sailplane-design experience at Jonker Sailplanes.
Complete technical data, manuals and brochures from the manufacturer Jonker Sailplanes.
Full specifications & downloadsRequest an Offer
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