RUTAN “VARIEZE”€”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • This homebuilt aircraft is noted for its sleek, lightweight design and impressive speed, capable of reaching up to 210 mph with a 100-hp Continental engine.
  • It features advanced aerodynamic elements, combining a NASA GA (W)-l airfoil with Whitcomb winglets, and was the first aircraft to fly with the latter.
  • The aircraft offers good lift and stall qualities, along with low induced drag that provides strong spiral stability for steep banks.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 1,050. Empty wt. 570. Fuel capacity 26. Wingspan 22’2″. Length 15′. Engine 100-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 195. Cruise mph 190. Stall mph 65. Climb rate 1,600. Takeoff run 900. Landing roll 900. Range 700.

This sleek, fast, and lightweight homebuilt is capable of achieving a top speed of 175 mph with a 1,600cc VW conversion or 210 mph with Continental’s 100-hp engine. The unusual aircraft combines the use of a NASA GA (W)-l airfoil with Whitcomb winglets and was actually the first aircraft to fly with the latter. The wing is a non-laminar flow airfoil optimized for good lift and stall qualities. The ship’s low induced drag lets the pilot negotiate steep, 90-degree banks with strong spiral stability.

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