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The Vari-Eze was designed by Burt Rutan/Rutan Aircraft Factory (RAF) in 1974. Two prototypes of the Vari-Eze, Model 31, led to production of the Vari-Eze Model 33, which was offered in kit form to amateur/home aircraft builders. Rutan built the Vari-Eze to prove that the canard configuration could be more efficient than conventional designs. The Vari-Eze was awarded the 'outstanding new design,' and also set a world's distance record. The aircraft seats two adults, suitcases and fuel for up to a 800 mile range. The design allows it to be parked in a small space as both the wings and canard are removable and the nose landing gear retracts into the fuselage for easy storage.

 Identifier

NASM.1990.0007

Creator

Eggleston, James O.

Date

1976-1988

Provenance

james O. Eggleston, Gift, 1989, 1990-0007, unknown

Extent

1.09 Cubic feet ((1 records center box) (1 flatbox))

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of manufacturing manuals, catalogs, and newsletters relating to the Rutan Model 33 Vari-Eze. The collection was donated with an original, unbuilt, Vari-Eze aircraft kit.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access

Topics

Rutan Model 33 Vari-Eze

Aeronautics, Commercial -- United States

Aeronautics, Commercial

Aeronautics

Airplanes, Home-built

Airplanes

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Manuals

Catalogs

Newsletters

Publications