[1][2] Ross designed the R-6 as a two-seat sailplane with the intention of setting new multi-place records with it.
The aircraft was initially designed to use the same 55 ft (16.8 m) span wing as the highly successful Ross-Johnson RJ-5, but with a gross weight of 1,226 lb (556 kg) as opposed to the RJ-5's 850 lb (386 kg) this gave the R-6 one of the highest wing loadings for a glider of its day.
[1][2] The R-6 was constructed with a metal fuselage, which was a departure from Ross's earlier designs.
[1][2] In 1959, Ross flew the R-6 solo from Kent, Texas to Farley, New Mexico for his diamond distance and won the Barringer Trophy[3] The R-6 was later owned by Bob Storck of Waldorf, Maryland who loaned it to the National Soaring Museum, where it is currently listed as in storage.
[1][2][4][5] Data from Sailplane directory and Soaring[1][2] The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs du Monde Volume II[6]General characteristics Performance