Sailplane · JS3
JS3 Rapture
The benchmark of the 15- and 18-metre classes: over 275 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. Its flaps cover everything from a tight thermal to a fast final glide.
It takes 15-metre and 18-metre wingtips and comes in three propulsion variants: as a pure glider, with the JET sustainer, or with the all-electric RES self-launcher — you choose between the lightest aircraft, maximum range and silent self-launch.
- 57 : 1
- Best glide ratio (18 m)
- 15 m / 18 m
- Wingspan
- Pure / JET / RES
- Propulsion
- 275+
- Built worldwide
Technical data
Figures for the JET configuration. The pure version is lighter; 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
Pure — unpowered
The JS3 Pure is the lightest and simplest aircraft in the family: no propulsion system, no added weight, full competition performance. The classic choice for fields with a tow or winch.
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. About half of all JS3s built fly with RES; lead time is typically around 12 months.
Competition pedigree
First flight December 2016, EASA type certification July 2019. Since then the JS3 has shaped the 15- and 18-metre classes — more than 275 aircraft had been built by September 2025, around half of them with the electric RES drive. It builds on 20 years of sailplane-design experience at Jonker Sailplanes.
Complete technical data, manuals and brochures from the manufacturer Jonker Sailplanes.
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