A highly realistic simulation of the legendary Rutan Long-EZ, engineered to deliver authentic flight performance, handling characteristics, and operational depth for X-Plane.
Available as separate native editions for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11.
Development Background
The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project was developed with the permission of aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan. This is an independent VSKYLABS project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mr. Rutan.
The simulation is based on the original Long-EZ prototype configuration (NR79RA), using the authentic 1980 Long-EZ Plans and original Pilot Operating Handbook as primary engineering references.
As a result, the included VSKYLABS LongEZ documentation closely follows the real-world aircraft manuals and procedures. The complete Owner’s Manual is available as a free download.
Version 5.0+ — Extended Range “ER” Variant
Version 5.0 for X-Plane 12 introduces the new Extended Range (ER) variant — a tribute to one of the most iconic homebuilt aircraft ever flown: Dick Rutan’s personal Long-EZ, “Old Blue” (N169SH).
In 1997, Dick Rutan and Mike Melvill completed the legendary Spirit of EAA Friendship World Tour, flying over 30,000 nautical miles around the globe in their Long-EZ aircraft, often completing flight legs exceeding 14 hours.
The VSKYLABS ER variant was specifically engineered to replicate the endurance-focused mission profile of “Old Blue,” including its specialized fuel infrastructure and high-altitude operational capabilities.
ER Variant Features
- Additional aerodynamic wing-mounted slipper tanks
- Rear-seat removable ferry bladder tank
- Advanced multi-source fuel transfer system
- Detailed transfer pump logic for realistic fuel management
- Expanded fuel capacity of 139 gallons
- Modified maximum gross weight of 2,000 lbs
- High-altitude respiratory system for FL170–FL210 operations
- Authentic oxygen system featuring a simulated AL-638 cylinder and converted A-14 diluter regulator
The ER variant transforms the Long-EZ into a true long-range cross-country platform, designed for realistic transcontinental and endurance missions.
Project Highlights
Included Variants
- Standard Long-EZ (NR79RA) — Analog cockpit
- Standard Long-EZ (NR79RA) — Dual 7” G1000 cockpit
- Extended Range Long-EZ (N169SH) — Analog cockpit
Core Features
- Highly detailed Long-EZ flight dynamics model
- Authentic aircraft handling and stall behavior
- Accurate canard aerodynamics simulation
- Belly airbrake and rudder speed-brake systems
- Retractable nose gear operations
- Detailed high-altitude oxygen system (ER variant)
- Advanced fuel transfer system (ER variant)
- Fully simulated Aeromatic variable-pitch propeller
- Highly detailed and fully animated 3D model
- Immersive VR-ready cockpit environment
- High-quality FMOD sound package
- IFR capability in both analog and G1000 variants
- Experimental/LSA autopilot (analog cockpit)
- Full GA-grade autopilot in G1000 version
- Detailed POH flight manual and documentation
- VSKYLABS Cockpit Builder Layer support (v5.0+)
Aircraft Design Notes
The VSKYLABS LongEZ incorporates several well-known real-world Long-EZ modifications and improvements adopted throughout the aircraft’s history.
High-Performance Rudder Modification
Early Long-EZ aircraft featured shorter rudders. The extended rudder configuration was later introduced to improve directional authority and low-speed handling. This enhanced rudder configuration is modeled in the project.
Roncz Canard Modification
The original Long-EZ canard used the GU25-5(11)8 airfoil, which could experience boundary layer transition issues in rain conditions.
The improved “Roncz Canard,” designed by John Roncz, introduced the Roncz R1145MS airfoil to address these limitations. This upgraded canard configuration is included in the VSKYLABS simulation.
Aeromatic Propeller System
The Aeromatic propeller is a fully automatic variable-pitch propeller system that functions similarly to a constant-speed propeller without requiring a governor or pilot input.
Its self-regulating pitch behavior has been carefully modeled to closely reproduce real-world Long-EZ performance characteristics.
Landing and Taxi Lights
Many real-world Long-EZ builders modify the aircraft with custom landing light installations. The VSKYLABS aircraft features a practical nose-mounted lighting configuration commonly seen on operational Long-EZ aircraft.
Dual Airbrake System
The simulation includes:
- Traditional belly-mounted airbrake
- Experimental rudder-brake configuration
The rudder-brake system allows differential rudder deployment using toe brakes, creating an additional aerodynamic speed-brake effect during flight.
About the Rutan Long-EZ
The Long-EZ is one of the most iconic homebuilt aircraft ever created. Designed by Burt Rutan during the early 1980s, the aircraft combines exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, long-range capability, and impressive performance using relatively low horsepower engines.
Powered by either the Continental O-200 or Lycoming O-235 engine, the aircraft delivers remarkable fuel economy and cross-country capability while maintaining lightweight simplicity.
Its innovative side-stick cockpit layout, reclining seating position, and advanced winglet design provide excellent comfort and reduced pilot fatigue during long flights.
The Long-EZ also pioneered NASA-developed winglet concepts, significantly reducing induced drag while improving overall efficiency and directional control.
More Pictures here
