The U.S. Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity conducted a Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the Rutan Aircraft Factory, Inc. designed LONG-EZ airplane at Edwards AFB, Calif. During the test program 34 flights were conducted for a total of 32.0 hours, of which 24.5 were productive. The objectives of the evaluation were to assess the performance and handling qualities of the LONG-EZ so that the US Army Aviation Research and Development Command could issue an airworthiness release for concept feasibility evaluation of the aircraft. The test aircraft exhibited excellent potential for the light observation/reconnaissance mission and is satisfactory for the intended concept feasibility evaluation. The high availability and minimal maintenance down time due to ease of repair of composite structures during flight testing of the LONG-EZ were noteworthy. One deficiency and fifteen shortcomings were identified. The loss of directional control due to single point brake failure during take-off/landing and ground handling was identified as a deficiency and is a safety-of-flight hazard. The major shortcomings affecting mission versatility and pilot effectiveness were: decrease in engine power during low g maneuvers; limited directional control; excessive throttle freeplay; limited longitudinal trimmability; and inaccessability of the lateral trim system. The deficiency should be corrected if development continues. The shortcomings should be corrected prior to production.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the Rutan Aircraft Factory (RAF), Inc. LONG-EZ Airplane


    Contributors:
    V. L. Diekmann (author) / D. L. Underwood (author) / R. N. Ward (author) / M. Graham (author)

    Publication date :

    1983


    Size :

    162 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Burt Rutan : reinventing the airplane

    Rollo, Vera Foster | TIBKAT | 1991


    Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the RC-12H Airplane

    J. C. Miess / R. C. Murrell / R. M. Buckanin | NTIS | 1987



    Complete guide to rutan homebuilt aircraft

    Downie, D. / Downie, J. | TIBKAT | 1981