Rutan Defiant

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The Rutan Defiant is a four-seat, twin-engine aircraft with one propeller in front and one in the rear. It was designed by well-known aerospace engineer Burt Rutan.

The prototype Model 40, N78RA, first flew June 30 1978. It was intended as a proof-of-concept of a very safe light twin design, requiring little trim change and no pilot action in case of engine failure and with good single engine performance. A comparison of the Defiant single engine climb rate with a Grumman Cougar showed about 390 vs 280 ft/min at low altitude with both aircraft cleaned up. The prototype, N78RA, is now owned by the Hiller Aviation Museum.

In 1979 RAF announced they would proceed with certification of a Defiant-based light twin. Adequate financing was not secured for this project, and the design was modified for homebuilt construction as the Model 74, with the second aircraft (built by Fred Keller) appearing at Oshkosh 1983. Plans were offered in mid 1984. Nine examples were known to be flying as of mid 1987. Nineteen are FAA registered in 2005.

[' 'Picture of Rutan Defiant]

Specifications (Defiant)

General characteristics

Crew: one pilot
Capacity: 3 passengers
Length: 22.8 ft
Wingspan: 30.75 f
Wing area: 139.4 sq ft
Empty: 1701 lb
Loaded: 2997 lb
Maximum takeoff: 2997 lb
Powerplant: 2x Lycoming O-320, 160 hp (119 kW) each or up to a maximum of 2 x Lycoming O-360, 180 hp each

Performance

Maximum speed: 216 mph (342 km/h)(188kts)
Range: 1,130 miles (1,808 km)
Service ceiling: 18,000 ft
Rate of climb: 1600 ft/min max wt 2 180 hp engines, 350 ft/min 1 engine.
Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
Power/Mass:

References and sources

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