About the COLLON-JOHN VARIEZE
The Rutan VariEze is an innovative and iconic general aviation aircraft designed by Burt Rutan, an American aerospace engineer, and founder of Scaled Composites. Introduced in the mid-1970s, the VariEze marked a significant departure from traditional aircraft design both aesthetically and in terms of construction methods. Rutan’s design intended to bring about a revolution in homebuilt aviation by providing a high-performance, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for aviation enthusiasts and private pilots.
The VariEze was first flown in May 1975, and it quickly gained attention due to its unconventional canard configuration and composite construction. Unlike traditional metal aircraft, the VariEze utilized fiberglass and foam, which contributed to a lighter yet stronger structure. The canard layout, with a small forewing and a larger main wing, was designed to enhance stall resistance and overall aerodynamic efficiency. This configuration not only provided excellent fuel efficiency but also offered a greater degree of safety because the aircraft was less prone to stalling—an important feature for less experienced pilots.
Key Features and Capabilities
The VariEze’s production history began with the availability of plans and kits for homebuilders. Burt Rutan’s goal was to empower amateur aircraft builders to construct their own high-performance aircraft without needing advanced manufacturing facilities or extensive technical know-how. The plans for the VariEze were detailed and aimed at making the construction process as straightforward as possible. As a result, the VariEze kit became extremely popular in the homebuilt aircraft community, with over 400 flying examples reported by the early 1980s.
In terms of performance, the VariEze boasts impressive specs for its category. It typically cruises at around 170 miles per hour and has a range of roughly 1,000 miles, making it suitable for longer cross-country trips. Its fuel-efficient design also meant lower operational costs, which is an attractive feature for private pilots. The VariEze served the niche of aviation enthusiasts looking for an aircraft that was not only fun to fly but also economical and relatively easy to build.
Market Position and Use Cases
Overall, the Rutan VariEze's innovative design, cost-effectiveness, and performance capabilities have left a lasting impact on the homebuilt aircraft segment, cementing its place as a pioneering model in the world of general aviation.