Airfoil Data
RC12B3
NASA/LANGLEY RC-12(B)3 AIRFOIL
Wing Geometry Simulator
The NASA/LANGLEY RC-12(B)3 AIRFOIL is a 8.2% chord-thickness airfoil with a maximum camber of 4.1% at 38% chord, suited to general-aviation and UAV wing design. At zero angle of attack the cambered geometry generates positive lift, giving an estimated zero-lift angle of -4.1°.
Thin airfoil theory predicts a stall angle near 11.8° and a peak lift-to-drag ratio around 58 at typical UAV and light-aircraft Reynolds numbers — useful benchmarks before running a full XFOIL or NeuralFoil polar. The slim profile minimises pressure drag at higher speeds but leaves limited spar depth for structural integration.
Designers evaluating the RC12B3 typically compare it against profiles of similar thickness: S3025 9.38%, CLARK YS AIRFOIL, E220 (11.48%), FX 68-H-120, Zv(15-35)16. The SD7084 (9.6%) is another reference profile frequently considered alongside it.
Related Airfoils
Engineers evaluating the RC12B3 frequently compare it against profiles with comparable geometric constraints. Below are the closest matches based on maximum thickness (8.2%) and max camber (4.1%).