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{{Short description|Homebuilt aircraft designed by Burt Rutan}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
⚫
|name=VariEze
{{Use American English|date=December 2021}}
|image=File:N39L (5879108221).jpg
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
{{Infobox aircraft
⚫
| name = VariEze
⚫
|type=[[Homebuilt aircraft]]
| image = File:VariEze in flight.jpg
⚫
|national origin=[[United States of America]]
⚫
| type = [[Homebuilt aircraft]]
⚫
|manufacturer=[[Rutan Aircraft Factory]]
⚫
| national_origin = [[United States of America]]
⚫
|designer=[[Burt Rutan]]
⚫
| manufacturer = [[Rutan Aircraft Factory]] (plans supplier)
⚫
|first flight=May 21, 1975<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5"/>
⚫
| designer = [[Burt Rutan]]
⚫
|number built=400+ (1982)<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5"/>
⚫
| first_flight = May 21, 1975<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5"/>
⚫
| number_built = 400+ (1982)<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5"/>
}}
}}
⚫
[[File:F-PYHS-Rutan VariEze (cropped).jpg|thumb|On the ground]]
|}

⚫
[[File:F-PYHS-Rutan VariEze (cropped).jpg|thumb|on ground]]
[[File:Rutan Model 33 VariEze - GPN-2000-001910.jpg|thumb|right|Langley wind tunnel]]
[[File:Rutan Model 33 VariEze - GPN-2000-001910.jpg|thumb|right|Langley wind tunnel]]


The '''Rutan VariEze''' is a [[glass-reinforced plastic|composite]], [[canard (aeronautics)|canard]] aircraft designed by [[Burt Rutan]]. It is a high-performance [[homebuilt aircraft]], hundreds of which have been constructed. The design later evolved into the [[Rutan Long-EZ|Long-EZ]] and other, larger cabin canard aircraft. The VariEze is notable for popularizing the canard configuration and moldless composite construction for homebuilt aircraft.
The '''Rutan VariEze''' is a [[glass-reinforced plastic|composite]], [[canard (aeronautics)|canard]] aircraft designed by [[Burt Rutan]]. It is a high-performance [[homebuilt aircraft]], hundreds of which have been constructed. The design later evolved into the [[Rutan Long-EZ|Long-EZ]] and other, larger cabin canard aircraft. The VariEze is notable for popularizing the canard configuration and moldless [[glass cloth]] composite construction for homebuilt aircraft.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Work on the VariEze design, which grew out of Rutan's experience designing and building the [[Rutan VariViggen|VariViggen]], began in 1974. The first prototype, designated Model 31 and registered N7EZ, first flew on May 21, 1975 after four months of construction. This aircraft used a [[Volkswagen Beetle|Volkswagen]] engine conversion. Three months later it was shown at [[Oshkosh Airshow|Oshkosh]] where [[Dick Rutan]] piloted it to an under 500&nbsp;kg class distance record of {{convert|1638|mi|km}}. Rutan believed that by engaging in a program of breaking class records he could further fine-tune the design.
Work on the VariEze design, which grew out of Rutan's experience designing and building the [[Rutan VariViggen|VariViggen]], began in 1974. The first prototype, designated Model 31 and registered N7EZ, first flew on May 21, 1975 after four months of construction. This aircraft used a [[Volkswagen air-cooled engine|Volkswagen engine]] conversion. Three months later it was shown at [[Oshkosh Airshow|Oshkosh]] where [[Dick Rutan]] piloted it to an under 500&nbsp;kg class distance record of {{convert|1638|mi|km}}. Rutan believed that by engaging in a program of breaking class records he could further fine-tune the design.


The aircraft was so popular at Oshkosh that Rutan redesigned the aircraft so that it could be sold as a set of plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/Rutan%20VariEze%20Prototype.asp |title= Rutan VariEze Prototype |publisher=Air venture museum | accessdate= 2010-12-05}}</ref> A second prototype, the Model 33, N4EZ, built using a larger wing, a [[Continental O-200]] engine, and many other detail changes, was shown at Oshkosh in July 1976 and plans were offered for sale. Approximately 2000 aircraft were under construction by 1980, with about 300 flying by late 1980. Ultimately more VariEzes and Long-EZs (a derivative, slightly larger design) were constructed than any other homebuilt type of the time. The sale of plans ceased in 1985.
The aircraft was so popular at Oshkosh that Rutan redesigned the aircraft so that it could be sold as a set of plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airventuremuseum.org/collection/aircraft/Rutan%20VariEze%20Prototype.asp |title= Rutan VariEze Prototype |publisher=Air venture museum | access-date= 2010-12-05}}</ref> A second prototype, the Model 33, N4EZ, built using a larger wing, a [[Continental O-200]] engine, and many other detail changes, was shown at Oshkosh in July 1976 and plans were offered for sale. Approximately 2000 aircraft were under construction by 1980, with about 300 flying by late 1980. Ultimately more VariEzes and Long-EZs (a derivative, slightly larger design) were constructed than any other homebuilt type of the time. The sale of plans ceased in 1985.


Rutan's stated goals for the design included reduced susceptibility to [[departure resistance|departure]]/spin and efficient long range cruise; these goals were achieved. The use of a canard configuration allowed a stall-resistant design, at the price of somewhat increased takeoff and landing speeds and distances relative to a similar conventional design with effective flaps. The holder of the [[CAFE Foundation|CAFE]] Challenge aircraft efficiency prize briefly was Gary Hertzler, set using a VariEze.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.cafefoundation.org/v2/main_story.php | title = CAFE Foundation | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080723165515/http://www.cafefoundation.org/v2/main_story.php | archivedate = 2008-07-23 }}.</ref>
Rutan's stated goals for the design included reduced susceptibility to [[departure resistance|departure]]/spin and efficient long range cruise; these goals were achieved. The use of a canard configuration allowed a stall-resistant design, at the price of somewhat increased takeoff and landing speeds and distances relative to a similar conventional design with effective [[Flaps (aircraft)|flaps]]. The holder of the [[CAFE Foundation|CAFE]] Challenge aircraft efficiency prize briefly was Gary Hertzler, set using a VariEze.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.cafefoundation.org/v2/main_story.php | title = CAFE Foundation | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080723165515/http://www.cafefoundation.org/v2/main_story.php | archive-date = 2008-07-23 }}.</ref>


The prototypes flew originally with elevons on the canard for both pitch and roll control but the design was changed to pitch control with the canard elevators and roll control with mid span wing ailerons after a few aircraft were built.
The prototypes flew originally with [[Elevon|elevons]] on the canard for both [[Pitch (aviation)|pitch]] and [[Roll (aviation)|roll]] control but the design was changed to pitch control with the canard elevators and roll control with mid span wing [[Aileron|ailerons]] after a few aircraft were built.


While the airplane was resistant to pitch [[departure resistance|departures]], a few builders discovered a potential for a novel lateral departure mode resulting from one winglet stalling at large [[sideslip angle]]s. An outer wing leading edge droop (and later [[vortilon]]s on some examples) was added to alleviate this problem and rudder travel was reduced.
While the airplane was resistant to pitch [[departure resistance|departures]], a few builders discovered a potential for a novel lateral departure mode resulting from one winglet stalling at large [[sideslip angle]]s. An outer wing leading edge droop (and later [[vortilon]]s on some examples) was added to alleviate this problem and rudder travel was reduced.
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The design's stall resistance did not appear to translate to a lower accident rate than for other homebuilts; a review of the NTSB database<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/ | title = Aviation query | publisher = NTSB}}.</ref> from 1976 to 2005 shows 130 total accidents and 46 fatal accidents out of a fleet of about 800 (691 registered in 2005). Precise comparisons are difficult, however, because of the haphazard nature of data collection and analysis for accidents involving homebuilt airplanes.
The design's stall resistance did not appear to translate to a lower accident rate than for other homebuilts; a review of the NTSB database<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/ | title = Aviation query | publisher = NTSB}}.</ref> from 1976 to 2005 shows 130 total accidents and 46 fatal accidents out of a fleet of about 800 (691 registered in 2005). Precise comparisons are difficult, however, because of the haphazard nature of data collection and analysis for accidents involving homebuilt airplanes.


The VariEze is subject to a 2.5g positive, 1.5g negative, maximum load factor limit applied after the discovery of problems with some VariEze wings.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.cozybuilders.org/Canard_Pusher/RAF_inspection.pdf | title = Canard pusher | type = RAF inspection service bulletin | publisher = Cozy builders | format = [[Portable document format|PDF]] | accessdate = February 20, 2010}}.</ref>
The VariEze is subject to a 2.5g positive, 1.5g negative, maximum load factor limit applied after the discovery of problems with some VariEze wings.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.cozybuilders.org/Canard_Pusher/RAF_inspection.pdf | title = Canard pusher | type = RAF inspection service bulletin | publisher = Cozy builders | access-date = February 20, 2010}}.</ref>


In lieu of a parking brake, the nosewheel retracts and the nose rests on the ground. Referred to as kneeling, this eases access to the cockpit. Resting the nose on the ground also prevents the plane from tipping onto its rear when the pilot's seat is unoccupied.
In lieu of a parking brake, the [[Landing gear|nosewheel]] retracts and the nose rests on the ground. Referred to as kneeling, this eases access to the cockpit. Resting the nose on the ground also prevents the plane from tipping onto its rear when the pilot's seat is unoccupied.


==Specifications==
==Specifications==

{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5">Taylor 1982, pp. 564–565.</ref>
|ref=''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83.''<ref name="JAWA82 p564-5">Taylor 1982, pp. 564–565.</ref>
|prime units?=imp
|prime units?=imp
<!--
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|crew=1
|crew=1
|capacity=1 passenger
|capacity=1 passenger
|seats=2
|length m=4.27
|length m=4.27
|length ft=14
|length ft=14
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<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
|similar aircraft=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-8]]
<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
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==References==
==References==
* "Flying the VariEze", ''Air Progress'', April 1978.
* "Flying the VariEze", ''Air Progress'', April 1978.
* [http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19860067000 National Air and Space Museum VariEze history]
* [http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19860067000 National Air and Space Museum VariEze history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402171042/http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19860067000 |date=April 2, 2011 }}
* [http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19890564000 National Air and Space Museum VariEze Kit Components]
* [http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19890564000 National Air and Space Museum VariEze Kit Components] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409074515/http://nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19890564000 |date=April 9, 2010 }}
* [http://v2.ez.org/feature/F0412-1/fran.htm December 2004 EZ of the Month]
* [http://v2.ez.org/feature/F0412-1/fran.htm December 2004 EZ of the Month] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007204110/http://v2.ez.org/feature/F0412-1/fran.htm |date=October 7, 2011 }}
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.
* [https://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/45mpg-at-207mph Getting 45 MPG at 207 MPH]
* [https://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/45mpg-at-207mph Getting 45 MPG at 207 MPH]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 8 September 2024

VariEze
General information
TypeHomebuilt aircraft
National originUnited States of America
ManufacturerRutan Aircraft Factory (plans supplier)
Designer
Number built400+ (1982)[1]
History
First flightMay 21, 1975[1]
On the ground
Langley wind tunnel

The Rutan VariEze is a composite, canard aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. It is a high-performance homebuilt aircraft, hundreds of which have been constructed. The design later evolved into the Long-EZ and other, larger cabin canard aircraft. The VariEze is notable for popularizing the canard configuration and moldless glass cloth composite construction for homebuilt aircraft.

Overview

[edit]

Work on the VariEze design, which grew out of Rutan's experience designing and building the VariViggen, began in 1974. The first prototype, designated Model 31 and registered N7EZ, first flew on May 21, 1975 after four months of construction. This aircraft used a Volkswagen engine conversion. Three months later it was shown at Oshkosh where Dick Rutan piloted it to an under 500 kg class distance record of 1,638 miles (2,636 km). Rutan believed that by engaging in a program of breaking class records he could further fine-tune the design.

The aircraft was so popular at Oshkosh that Rutan redesigned the aircraft so that it could be sold as a set of plans.[2] A second prototype, the Model 33, N4EZ, built using a larger wing, a Continental O-200 engine, and many other detail changes, was shown at Oshkosh in July 1976 and plans were offered for sale. Approximately 2000 aircraft were under construction by 1980, with about 300 flying by late 1980. Ultimately more VariEzes and Long-EZs (a derivative, slightly larger design) were constructed than any other homebuilt type of the time. The sale of plans ceased in 1985.

Rutan's stated goals for the design included reduced susceptibility to departure/spin and efficient long range cruise; these goals were achieved. The use of a canard configuration allowed a stall-resistant design, at the price of somewhat increased takeoff and landing speeds and distances relative to a similar conventional design with effective flaps. The holder of the CAFE Challenge aircraft efficiency prize briefly was Gary Hertzler, set using a VariEze.[3]

The prototypes flew originally with elevons on the canard for both pitch and roll control but the design was changed to pitch control with the canard elevators and roll control with mid span wing ailerons after a few aircraft were built.

While the airplane was resistant to pitch departures, a few builders discovered a potential for a novel lateral departure mode resulting from one winglet stalling at large sideslip angles. An outer wing leading edge droop (and later vortilons on some examples) was added to alleviate this problem and rudder travel was reduced.

The design's stall resistance did not appear to translate to a lower accident rate than for other homebuilts; a review of the NTSB database[4] from 1976 to 2005 shows 130 total accidents and 46 fatal accidents out of a fleet of about 800 (691 registered in 2005). Precise comparisons are difficult, however, because of the haphazard nature of data collection and analysis for accidents involving homebuilt airplanes.

The VariEze is subject to a 2.5g positive, 1.5g negative, maximum load factor limit applied after the discovery of problems with some VariEze wings.[5]

In lieu of a parking brake, the nosewheel retracts and the nose rests on the ground. Referred to as kneeling, this eases access to the cockpit. Resting the nose on the ground also prevents the plane from tipping onto its rear when the pilot's seat is unoccupied.

Specifications

[edit]

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 14 ft 2 in (4.27 m)
  • Wingspan: 22 ft 2.5 in (6.77 m)
  • Wing area: 53.6 sq ft (4.98 m2)
  • Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,050 lb (476 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 24 US Gal (91 L)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-200-B air-cooled flat-four engine, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 195 mph (314 km/h, 169 kn) (max cruise)
  • Cruise speed: 165 mph (266 km/h, 143 kn) (econ cruise)
  • Stall speed: 55.5 mph (89.3 km/h, 48.2 kn)
  • Range: 850 mi (1,370 km, 740 nmi) at econ cruise
  • Rate of climb: 1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s)

See also

[edit]

Related development

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Taylor 1982, pp. 564–565.
  2. ^ "Rutan VariEze Prototype". Air venture museum. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  3. ^ CAFE Foundation, archived from the original on July 23, 2008.
  4. ^ Aviation query, NTSB.
  5. ^ Canard pusher (PDF) (RAF inspection service bulletin), Cozy builders, retrieved February 20, 2010.

References

[edit]
[edit]

Media related to Rutan VariEze at Wikimedia Commons

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