VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ. Highly Engineered LongEZ Simulation for X-Plane.

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VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ

The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2026 All Rights Reserved

A highly Realistic Flight Performance and Handling Simulation

of the Rutan LongEZ Aircraft

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR X-PLANE 12

Disk Space: 25GB
CPU: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 CPU with 4 or more cores, or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9.
(Those with other CPUs should try the demo before purchasing.)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Video Card: a Vulkan 1.3-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 2 GB VRAM
Note: Intel GPUs are not supported by X-Plane 12.

Separate native products for X-PLANE 12 and X-PLANE 11, for your selection.

Development notice: The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project for X-Plane was developed with Mr. Burt Rutan's permission. However it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated and/or endorsed with/by Mr. Burt Rutan. The project is based on the design of the Long-EZ (NR79RA) prototype.

Project Introduction:

The project is initially designed and engineered using the original 1980 'LONG-EZ Plans' and 'Pilot Operating Handbook' (N79RA). As a result, the VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Owner's manual is based on the real LongEZ owner's manual. The manual for the VSKYLABS LongEZ aircraft can be downloaded for free.

In version v5.0 (X-Plane 12), an additional variant was added: 'ER' (Extended Range) Variant, being an exciting tribute to one of the most famous homebuilt aircraft in history: Dick Rutan’s personally-built Long-EZ, 'Old Blue' (N169SH).

In 1997, Dick Rutan in his 'Old Blue', teamed his friend Mike Melvill in his Long-EZ (N26MS) and flew over 30,000 nautical miles east on the Spirit of EAA Friendship World Tour, often flying legs of over 14 hours.

The 'ER' variant in v5.0+ was engineered to capture the specific mission-profile of the legendary N169SH aircraft, focusing on the aircraft configuration which was required for true global endurance.

To support maximum endurance missions, the 'ER' variant features a high-capacity fuel infrastructure comprising additional aerodynamic wing-mounted slipper tanks, and a removable internal ferry bladder-tank located in the rear seat compartment. This multi-source system is incorporated into the Long-EZ fuel system with dedicated and detailed transfer pump logic, allowing the pilot to manage fuel weight and CG while significantly extending the aircraft's range for transcontinental operations.

The 'ER' variant pushes the Long-EZ into a new weight class, featuring a total fuel capacity of 139 gallons (approx. 834 lbs). This includes 52 gallons in the strakes, 38 gallons in the aerodynamic slipper tanks, and a 49-gallon internal ferry bladder. With a modified Max Gross Weight of 2,000 lbs, this setup is designed for the extreme endurance required to replicate 'Old Blue's' record-breaking mission profiles.

During the 1997 Spirit of EAA Friendship World Tour, Dick Rutan and Mike Melvill exceeded high altitude flying, up to 21,000 feet. Flying at 15,000 - 17,500 feet was often required for catching tail-winds, avoiding lower-level tropical turbulence, crossing demanding terrain and weather conditions.

To support operations up to FL170 - FL210, the 'ER' variant features the High-Elevation Respiratory Equipment system. This mission-spec system includes an authentic 680-liter AL-638 cylinder internally integrated into a fully functional, converted A-14 Diluter regulator, optimized for high-altitude endurance, where Oxygen is plausibly supplied via a virtual cannula.

Project Highlights:

3 variants included:
- Standard EZ (NR79RA) with fully equipped Analog cockpit.
- Standard EZ (NR79RA) with 2x7" G1000 bundle cockpit.
- Extended-Range EZ (N169SH) with fully equipped Analog cockpit.
The core of the project is a highly-defined Long-EZ engineering and flight dynamics model with authentic aircraft performance and handling characteristics.
All LongEZ unique aerodynamics and systems are being simulated: Authentic handling, LongEZ stall characteristics, aircraft performance, Speed brakes (belly + Rudder brakes), On-ground retractable nose-gear and more!
Detailed high-altitude oxygen system ('ER' variant).
Detailed fuel-transfer system ('ER' variant)
Aeromatic propeller configuration is simulated in the Standard EZ models (fully automatic variable pitch propeller).
Highly detailed and animated aircraft model.
Immersive LongEZ VR experience! Highly detailed and functional 'VR-Ready' 3D cockpit environment.
FMOD sounds engineered for enhanced flying experience, including high AoA buffeting, ground vibrations, wind noises and more!
IFR capability (both analog and G1000 variants).
Autopilot - Experimental/LSA grade autopilot is included in the analog cockpit variant, and fully-capable GA grade autopilot in the G1000 variant.
Detailed POH Flight Manual and documentation.
Autoupdater based on the SkunkCrafts autoupdater (XP12 only) - all updates are being pushed smoothly without the need to re-download the entire base package (base package will be updated every once in a while to minimize the gap).
VSKYLABS 'Cockpit Builder Layer' (v5.0+): Assign all aircraft switches, knobs, and interactions via a dedicated X-Plane 12 assignment layer.

Aircraft Design Notes

The VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project aircraft design includes several improvements ("mods") which have been developed/adopted as the aircraft got mature. The following mods are included in the VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project aircraft:

The 'High performance rudder mod': The initial design featured short rudders design, but soon after the first Long-EZ took flight, a few modifications were already underway to improve its design, including the extended rudders.

The 'Roncz canard mod': The original canard design of the LongEZ used the Glasgow University GU25-5(11)8 airfoil. The GU canard caused premature boundary layer transition under rain condition. The 'Roncz canard' which was designed by John Roncz used the Roncz R1145MS airfoil, and was developed in response to that problem, nicknamed "rain canards").

Aeromatic propeller configuration: The Aeromatic propeller is a variable pitch propeller having the same effect of a 'constant speed' propeller, except the fact that it is not using any governor, cockpit levers or special crankshafts. The propeller modulates itself based on airspeed other dynamic forces (fully automatic). Replicating the exact configuration for pitch change for the Aeromatic propeller was a fascinating development aspect. Its performance bringing the VSKYLABS LongEZ to highly match its real-world performance graphs.

Landing/Taxi lights: Installing landing lights is a mod made by many EZ owners/builders. There are several options, including using the landing gears fairing. I've decided to cut a small compartment into the upper section of the nose cone. This place is allowing good angle settings for the landing/taxi lights and quite common in real-world LongEZ's.

Two-sets of Air-Brakes: The LongEZ is equipped with a belly-positioned air-brake which can be extracted during flight. In addition to that, an experimental configuration of Rudder-brakes is implemented in the VSKYLABS LongEZ. The pedals mechanism is allowing the use of differential rudder input, using the toe-brakes simultaneously. In this case, each rudder surface will be deployed "out", as if it is being used as a rudder...turning into a dual-rudder speed-brake. The rudder-brakes can be used in-flight, intuitively and accurately with the use of simple leg-work. This new feature is of course practical for pilots who are using rudder-pedals with toe-brakes hardware.

The Rutan Long-EZ aircraft - Additional Information

The Rutan LongEZ is a high performance home built aircraft, designed by the aerospace legend Burt Rutan back in the 80's. Its compact external size results in superb performance and economy using low horsepower engines.

It features advanced aerodynamics and structure to provide good utility, economy, comfort, simplicity and flight safety. The aircraft uses one of two proven certified aircraft engines, the continental O-200/100 hp and the Lycoming O-235/115 hp (the VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ is featuring the 115 hp engine).

It has an alternator powered electrical system and equipped with an electric engine starter. It’s cockpit layout is designed to compliment pilot work load with throttle, mixture, carburetor heat, pitch trim/landing controls on the left side console and a side stick controller on the right console. Seating provides correct armrest, lumbar, thigh and headrest support allowing “recliner chair” comfort which are typically not to be found in conventional aircraft seats. This configurations allows long, fatigue free flights.

The Long-EZ aircraft pioneered the use of the NASA developed winglet system which consists of an upper and lower cambered surface at each wing tip. These are designed to offset the wingtip vortex and reduce induced drag. The Long-EZ’s use of one way rudders in each winglet, makes use of the winglet camber to tailor the rudder forces. This results in low forces at low speeds where rudders are used, and higher forces at higher speeds where rudders are not needed.

Long-EZ interesting and useful resources

Disclaimer: VSKYLABS is not affiliated with any of the following web pages/people/organizations and is not responsible for the content within these sites.

BurtRutan.com:

Burt Rutan's web pages - contains interesting articles, 'must read' PDF documents etc...: http://burtrutan.com

Burt Rutan Wikipedia page:

The Aerospace Legend Burt Rutan Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Rutan

Rutan Long-EZ Wikipedia page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutan_Long-EZ

ez.org - A community of Rutan canard aircraft enthusiasts:

Includes Forum, articles, links, various downloads (drawings, POH plans etc...): http://www.ez.org/

Long-EZ building blogs: Very interesting blogs showing the process of building a Long-EZ aircraft.

Pilot's Operating Handbook

Based on the Long-EZ First Edition May 1980 – Originally written and published by Rutan Aircraft Factory, Inc. Modified and published by VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations

(Permission was granted)

Update Log

VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ Project
JetManHuss - VSKYLABS (c) 2026 All Rights Reserved

XP12 - v5.0 (29th January 2026):

Major Update Release!
New 'ER' (Extended-Range) variant was added to the package:
- Design based on Dick Rutans LongEZ 'Old Blue' N169SH, which circled the world in 1997.
- ER Revised fuel system: added 2 x conformal slipper tanks on the wings, 1 x ferry bladder tank in the backseat, fully-functional fuel-transfer system.
- High-Altitude oxygen systems.
- Engine setup: 180 hp Lycoming IO-360 alongside a new high-performance, high pitch 3-blade propeller.
- Extended max-takeoff envelope up to 2000 lbs.
Graphics:
- The VSL-LongEZ aircraft 3-d model was remodeled exterior and interior, including the cockpit, with higher mesh level and enhanced detail.
- Re-texturing of 3-d cockpit environment.
- Enhanced textures, improved paint-kit.
- Enhanced Long-EZ stick model.
- Enhanced 3-d model and animation of the G1000 bezels (G1000 variant).
- Enhanced 3-d model of the G530.
- Improved fuel-tank selector animation.
- Improved LSA/Experimental autopilot panel.
- Liveries - Textures and PBR rework to all liveries, added 'ER' livery.
- New canopy texture and PBR setup.
- Improved pilot and passenger 3-d figures.
Sounds:
- New dynamic FMOD sound package, enhanced engine sounds, tuned overall.
Systems:
- New and improved lighting system (interior, exterior).
- Cockpit lights now includes 3 x rheostats (Flood, Instruments, Glass avionics).
- Weather-radar implementation (G1000 variant).
- ASI, Fuel level indicators re-calibration.
Peripherals/fixes:
- Whiskey magnetic compass animation fixed.
- Re-edited LongEZ pdf manual.
- Added 'ER' complementary pdf manual.
Flight dynamics:
- Flight model re-validation in X-Plane 12.3.x+
- Improved ground handling for pilots who are using only rudder axis without designated rudder-pedals.
Interaction:
- Improved all cockpit switches/levers manipulator system for better interaction.
- Improved starter-switch interaction algorithm.
- VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Heaven implementation - Assign all aircraft switches, knobs, and interactions via a dedicated X-Plane 12 assignment layer.

XP12 - v4.2e (10th July 2023):

G1000 variant - (now) disabled the Garmin ESP/USP system (autopilot stability and underspeed protections) which was enabled unintentionally during one of the XP12 default update process.

XP12 - v4.2c (18th February 2023):

Paint-Kit was added into the project (PAINT-KIT folder).

XP12 - v4.2 (4th December 2022):

Interior lighting system reset and retuned to comply with the modified X-Plane 12.00r1+ lighting engine.
Analog cockpit modifications: new artificial horizon, new dual-system altimeter, improved instruments texture and PBR setup.

XP12 - v4.1 (23th November 2022):

Updater software replaced - from STMA to SkunkCrafts.

XP12 v4.0 (September 2022):

X-Plane 12 initial version release.

XP11 - v3.0 (15th September 2020):

Additional variant was added to the package: A dual 7" G1000 glass cockpit LongEZ.
Flight Dynamics: Fine tuning and final adaptation to the latest X-Plane's Experimental flight model.
Aerodynamic Rudder-Brakes mod was implemented into the flight model.
New Look and Feel: Extensive remodeling, re-texturing, re-mapping and enhancement of the entire project and its visual assets.
Enhanced FMOD sound pack: To include high quality sound engineering and interactions from engine vibrations, high Angle of Attack buffeting and overall experience.
VR interactivity tuneups.

XP11 - v2.0c (8th April 2020):

Flight Dynamics:
- Engine oil temp and CHT temps tuneup with the focus on prolonged climbing.
- Differential braking is a bit less sensitive now (more rudder input is needed in case of using a twist/rudder joystick).

XP11 - v2.0 (30th March 2020):

Flight Dynamics:
- Extensive flight dynamics tuneup for the Aeromatic propeller simulation.
- Performance and handling characteristics tuneup.
- External luggage pods are now affecting overall drag when placed/removed.
- External luggage pods may placed empty, or being loaded via the weight and balance setup. Weight and drag are differential, meaning that the pods may be installed while empty. This will add their drag to the overall drag without relation to their weight.
- Nosewheel castor limit was set to 65 degrees.
3D modeling improvements:
- Cockpit front panel remodeled with flushed-gauges and improved appearance.
- Old Bendix Transponder replaced with new custom GTX 330.
- Old GNS530 Remodeled and replaced with a new one.
- Interior composite structure remodeled, re-textured with higher resolution.
- Interior canopy element repainted.
- Aux Fuel Pump light bulb was replaced with a new one (3D modeled, LIT).
- Passenger is now visible from 1st person pilot view (can be removed by reducing it's weight via the payload setup).
- Pilot hands are on the controls, animated (visible from external view only)
Systems, operation and interactions:
- Vertical Speed Indicator was re-calibrated.
- External luggage pods interaction is now different: Pods are visible by default, and by that are affecting drag. To remove/install them, simply click on the upper wing area in front of the fuel tank caps, or, assign Custom Slider#11 in X-Plane's assignments setup.
- New instrument gauges lighting for night-flying capability.
- Fuel tank selector is now switched to 'OFF' in cold and dark start.
Weight and balance:
- The aircraft is now being loaded with two persons on board, and empty wing pods. to change these before flight, simply set the aircraft payload in X-Plane menu.
General stuff:
- 'VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ ESSENTIALS' instructions were added to the POH folder.
- The Red/White N79RA livery is now the default one. The Plain White paint was added as a separate livery.

XP11 - v1.6 (10th November 2019):

Flight Dynamics Model was updated to X-Plane 11.40+ Experimental flight model.

XP11 - v1.5 (19th October 2019):

STMA Autoupdater plugin was added as preparations for future updates.

XP11 - v1.4 (26th November 2018):

Luggage pods are now removed, and will be added and visible only when the payload is set to exceed ~360 pounds (to include pilot/pilots and luggage), in the weight and balance settings in X-Plane.
Engine power tuneups.
High Angle of Attack handling tuneups.
3D modeling refinements.

XP11 - v1.3 (2nd November 2018):

Fix to Joystick command issues with X-Plane 11.30b1+

XP11 - v1.2a (30th July 2018):

Flight Dynamics model fix for engine exhaust point

XP11 - v1.2 (4th June 2018):

Nose gear horn refinements and additional 100 knots IAS threshold limit.
Turn and slip indicator adjustment.
Magnetic compass - a fixed index needle was added.
Aircraft category fixed to 'Experimental' only.

XP11 - v1.1 (10th May 2018):

3D Modeling - general:
- Cockpit floor rework (modeling and texture).
- Rudder pedals installation.
- Animated canopy strut.
FMOD Sounds:
- Installation of the canopy-unlocked buzzer (warning when canopy is unlocked and throttle up to 90%).
- Touchdown sounds refinement and enhancement.
- Landing gears ride vibration effect.
Liveries:
- Additional livery included.
Virtual Reality:
- Refinements of some of the clickable visible green areas for more aesthetic appearance.

XP11 - v1.0 (May 8th 2018) - Initial Version Release.

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VSKYLABS Rutan LongEZ