Rutan Aircraft FactoryExperimental & kit · Fixed-wing · United States
Variviggen
- Seats
- 2 2
- Power
- 150 hp112 kW
- Cruise
- 130 kt241 km/h
- US register
- 5 aircraft5 aircraft
About the Variviggen
Designed by Burt Rutan in the United States, the Rutan VariViggen is a single-engine, fixed-wing homebuilt aircraft featuring a tandem two-seat configuration. Built primarily of wood, it utilizes a delta wing layout combined with a canard foreplane and a pusher engine arrangement. The aircraft is suited for amateur builders interested in stall-resistant experimental designs.
Development began while the designer was a student, drawing inspiration from Swedish and American fighter jets. After several years of garage construction, the prototype completed its first flight in 1972. Modifications to later versions introduced a longer fuselage, larger wingspan, and winglets to improve efficiency. Few examples were ultimately completed, and the prototype was later preserved in a museum collection following movie appearances.
Engines fitted
5 aircraft| Engine | Power | Share of fleet | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycoming O-320 | 180 hp | 2 | |
| Lycoming O-360 | 180 hp | 2 | |
| Lycoming IO-360 | 200 hp | 1 |
Variviggen running costs
$206 an hour| Low | Typical | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $6,191 | $7,954 | $9,229 |
| Oil | $144 | $180 | $234 |
| Engine overhaul reserve | $2,167 | $2,667 | $4,833 |
| Annual inspection and maintenance | $2,500 | $3,500 | $4,500 |
| Hangar | $3,000 | $6,300 | $9,600 |
| Total | $14,002 | $20,601 | $28,396 |
| Per hour | $140 | $206 | $284 |
Engine
- Model
- Lycoming O-320-A2A
- Power
- 180 hp
- Overhaul
- 2,000 h / 12 yr
- Fuel burn
- 8.2 – 10.3 gal/h
- Fuel price
- $8.20 /US gal
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