[1][2][3] Parker started construction of the RP9 in 1956 and worked on it for six years until its first flight in 1962.
The 50.7 ft (15.45 m) span wing employs a Wortmann FX 05-191 airfoil and features dive brakes.
Soaring Magazine singled Parker's quality of workmanship out in constructing the aircraft as worthy of note, calling it "something to behold".
[1][2][4] The T-bird was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Experimental - Amateur-built.
[1][2][3] Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]General characteristics Performance