RUTAN “LONG-EZ”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Long-EZ is a larger and heavier evolution of the VariEze, designed around a 115-hp Lycoming engine, featuring increased wingspan and wing area.
  • It offers improved short-field performance compared to its predecessor, with a shorter takeoff run and significantly reduced landing distance.
  • The aircraft has demonstrated impressive endurance and speed, highlighted by Dick Rutan's record 52.2-hour flight averaging 183 mph.
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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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