Rutan Aircraft Factory
Rutan VariEze
The Rutan VariEze is a pioneering home‑built aircraft developed in the late 1970s by aerospace innovator Burt Rutan under the banner of the Rutan Aircraft Factory. First flown in 1975, the VariEze introduced a radical canard layout, composite construction, and efficient aerodynamics that challenged conventional light‑aircraft design. Its airframe, built primarily from fiberglass and foam sandwich materials, offered a lightweight yet strong structure, while the forward‑mounted canard provided natural stall resistance and exceptional handling characteristics. Powered typically by a Lycoming O‑235 engine delivering 108 horsepower, the aircraft could cruise at 150 mph while burning under 6 gallons per hour, making it one of the most economical personal aircraft of its era. The VariEze’s success sparked a renaissance in amateur‑built aviation, inspiring a generation of designers and leading to the later development of the popular Long‑EZ and the Embraer‑derived aircraft. Its influence extended beyond hobbyists; the canard concept proved viable for larger commercial and military projects. Overall, the VariEze remains a landmark in aviation history, demonstrating how innovative engineering and DIY spirit can reshape aircraft performance and accessibility. Today, dozens of VariEzEs still fly, serving as testbeds for experimental technologies and as cherished examples of home‑building ingenuity.
Classification
Dimensions
- Wing Area
- 6.22 square metre
- Length
- 4.32 metre
- Mass
- 243 kilogram
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 175 knot
- Range
- 1770 kilometre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1975
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Rutan Aircraft Factory
- Designer
- Burt Rutan
- Engine
- O-200
- Wikidata ID
- Q370967