RUTAN “LONG-EZ”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rutan Long-EZ is a larger, heavier evolution of the VariEze, powered by a 108- to 115-hp Lycoming engine, featuring over four feet more wingspan.
  • It offers improved takeoff and landing performance compared to the original VariEze, despite being only slightly wider.
  • With a top speed of 220 mph, a cruise of 185 mph, and a range of 1,298 miles, the aircraft is capable of impressive long-distance flights, as demonstrated by Dick Rutan's 52.2-hour record trip.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 1,325. Empty wt. 700. Fuel capacity 52. Wingspan 26’3″. Length 100″. Engine 108- to 115-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 220. Cruise mph 185. Stall mph 66. Climb rate 1,150. Ceiling 26,900. Range 1,298. Takeoff run 775. Landing roll 780.

Rutan’s Long-EZ is a larger and heavier version of the VariEze built around the 115-hp Lycoming engine. It has over four feet more wingspan and nearly half again the wing area of the VariEze. It takes off in 100 feet less distance and lands in only slightly more than half the distance of the original VariEze. While identical in length-100 inches-the long version is two inches wider. During one record flight, Dick Rutan logged 52.2 hours on a two-week round-trip to Florida from Mojave, averaging a 183-mph airspeed.

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