Rutan Long-EZ

The Rutan Long‑EZ is a two‑seat, canard‑configured homebuilt aircraft that emerged from the innovative spirit of Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites in the late 1970s. First flown on 12 October 1979, the Long‑EZ was conceived as a low‑cost, high‑efficiency cross‑country machine that could be constructed by amateur builders from plans and a kit supplied by Scaled Composites. Its most distinctive features include a forward‑mounted canard wing, a rear‑mounted pusher propeller driven by a modest 100‑150 hp engine, and an all‑composite airframe built predominantly of fiberglass and foam. The design delivers a glide ratio of 20:1, fuel consumption under 5 gallons per hour, and a range exceeding 2,000 miles when equipped with optional tip tanks. Side‑by‑side seating, a spacious cabin, and removable winglets add to its practicality. The Long‑EZ’s success helped popularize composite construction in the experimental aircraft community, inspired subsequent Rutan designs such as the VariEze and the more ambitious Voyager, and demonstrated that advanced aerodynamics could be realized without corporate backing. Its enduring legacy lies in proving that affordable, efficient, and safe personal aviation is achievable through innovative engineering and DIY spirit.

Scaled Composites

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