Rutan Defiant

The Rutan Defiant is a twin‑engine, canard‑configured sport aircraft conceived by aerospace innovator Burt Rutan and produced as a kit by the Rutan Aircraft Factory beginning in the mid‑1990s. First flight occurred in 1995, and the aircraft quickly attracted attention for its unconventional push‑pull layout, placing a 100‑hp Rotax engine in the nose and a second identical unit in a rear pusher position on the fuselage boom. This center‑line thrust arrangement eliminates asymmetric drag in the event of an engine failure, offering a level of safety rarely seen in home‑built twins. The Defiant’s canard wing supplies additional lift, reduces stall speed, and contributes to its clean aerodynamic profile; the feather‑light composite construction keeps empty weight below 1,600 lb, while the spacious cabin accommodates two side‑by‑side seats with excellent visibility. Cruise speeds exceed 200 kt and range tops 1,000 nm, making it suitable for cross‑country trips as well as aerobatic maneuvers. The aircraft’s significance lies in demonstrating that high‑performance, twin‑engine capability can be achieved without the complexity of traditional wing‑mounted twins, influencing later designs such as the Velocity series and expanding the possibilities for amateur builders worldwide.

Rutan Aircraft Factory

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