RUTAN “LONG-EZ”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rutan Long-EZ is an enhanced, larger, and heavier version of the VariEze, powered by a 108- to 115-hp Lycoming engine and featuring increased wingspan and wing area.
  • It offers impressive performance, including a top speed of 220 mph, a range of 1,298 miles, and significantly shorter takeoff and landing distances compared to its predecessor.
  • Its endurance and speed capabilities were proven by Dick Rutan's record-setting 52.2-hour, two-week round-trip flight to Florida, where he averaged 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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