Rutan Long-EZ

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Long-EZ belonging to NOAA

The Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft with a canard layout designed by Burt Rutan's Rutan Aircraft Factory. It is derived from the VariEze, which was first offered to homebuilders in 1976. The prototype (N79RA) of the Long-EZ first flew on June 12, 1979.

Changes from the VariEze include a larger main wing with modified Eppler 1230 airfoil and less sweep (The canard uses the same GU25-5(11)8 airfoil as the VariEze), larger strakes containing more fuel and baggage storage, slightly wider cabin, and the ability to use a Lycoming 108 hp engine with no nose ballast. Plans were offered from 1980-85. As of late 2005, approximately 700 Long EZ's are FAA registered in the USA.

The aircraft is designed for fuel-efficient long-range flight and can fly for over ten hours and up to 1,600 miles (2,500 kilometers) on 52 gallons (200 liters) of fuel. Equipped with a rear-seat fuel tank, a Long-EZ has flown for 4,800 miles (7,700 kilometers).

Rutan Long-EZ, fitted with baggage pods under wings.

The pilot sits in a semi-reclined seat and controls the Long-EZ by means of a side-stick controller situated on the right-hand console. In addition to having an airbrake on the underside, the twin tail's wing-tip rudders can be deflected outwards to act as auxiliary airbrakes. The aircraft will not stall in the manner of a conventional aircraft since, if the Long-EZ reaches too low a speed, the front (canard) wing will stall and lower the aircraft nose until speed is regained.

Singer-songwriter John Denver perished while flying a Long-EZ on October 12, 1997 due to multiple pilot errors contributed to by the non-standard placement of the fuel selector on that specific aircraft.

XCOR Aerospace have modified their Long-EZ and replaced the engine with twin liquid fuelled rocket engines to form the vehicle they call the 'EZ-rocket'. It is used as a demonstrator and will serve as the basis for aircraft used in the Rocket Racing League.