Some of Bert Rutan’s Aircraft Designs Were Featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2024
Beech 2000 Starship, Scaled Composites Model 115
Story and photos by Ken Kula
“Burt” Rutan has been involved with several scores of distinctive and cutting-edged aircraft designs. Most recognizable are his line of homebuilt aircraft which feature canards and pusher engine placement. He has formed and/or managed several design and production companies and has been part of several more. He began his aviation career as a civilian flight test engineer at Edwards AFB, then moved into a Director’s role in Bede Aircraft. He left that company to form the Rutan Aircraft Factory, followed by the famous Scaled Composites business. Most of his development was/is located at Mojave, California at the Mojave Air and Space Port (now known as the Mojave Air and Space Port at Rutan Field – maned after he and his older brother Dick).
Burt Rutan has received many awards from prestigious aviation organizations for his leadership and engineering skills. Many of his designs have been, and still are big attractions at the yearly EAA AirVenture Oshkosh celebration of flight. In 2024, Burt Rutan and many aircraft of his design were in attendance; Burt took part in several forums and presentations while on the grounds. Here are a number of photos of aircraft of his design, along with many of the model designators named by various companies which produced them.
Rutan VariViggen, Model 27 or 32
Rutan VariEze Model 31 or 33
Rutan Defiant, Model 40
Rutan Quickie, Model 54
Rutan Long-EZ Model 61
Rutan Model 72 Grizzly
Scaled Composits Catbird, Model 81
Scaled Composites Beechcraft 2000 Starship, Model 115
Rutan Boomerang, Model 202
