Rutan VariViggen
Rutan Aircraft Factory · United States · first flew 1972 · light aircraft
The Rutan VariViggen was an American homebuilt canard pusher aircraft designed by Burt Rutan, inspired by the Swedish Saab Viggen fighter's distinctive planform but scaled for light general aviation use.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.79 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Canard delta homebuilt aircraft inspired by Saab Viggen
- Pusher propeller at the rear
- No conventional tail — canard foreplanes for pitch control
Unmistakeable canard delta layout with a pusher propeller, no aft tail surfaces, and a distinctive Viggen-inspired planform at a much smaller scale than its military inspiration.
Specifications
- The Rutan VariViggen has a length of 5.79 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 5.79 m (19 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 262 km/h (163 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1972, the VariViggen was Rutan's first homebuilt design and demonstrated the practicality of canard configurations for light aircraft. Plans were offered to homebuilders and a number of examples were constructed by amateurs, establishing Rutan's reputation for unconventional but effective designs.
Variants
The SP (Special Performance) variant featured an upgraded engine and aerodynamic refinements; both versions were available as plans.
Where you'll see it
Operated entirely by private homebuilders; never produced commercially or operated by any military or commercial service.
Related aircraft
- Rutan VariEze
- Rutan Defiant
- Rutan Long-EZ
- Acro Sport I
- Beechcraft Sundowner
- Brokaw BJ-520 Bullet
- HAL Basant
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