EZ-Rocket flight sets speed/distance record

Valley Press on ^ | Sunday, December 4, 2005. | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

MOJAVE - Calling it "the shortest long-distance flight in history," aviator Dick Rutan entered the record books again Saturday, this time for a rocket plane flight from Mojave to California City. Rutan - who already holds numerous distance and speed records, including the non-stop, round-the world Voyager flight 19 years ago - piloted XCOR Aerospace's EZ-Rocket. Rutan also was the first to test the aircraft when the rocket engine demonstrator debuted in 2001.

The world's first privately built, rocket-powered aircraft, the EZ-Rocket is a Long-EZ kit plane modified with twin 400-pound thrust rocket engines instead of the usual engine and propeller.

The 11-minute trek of just more than 16 kilometers established the distance record for a rocket-powered aircraft, weighing under 1,000 kilograms and taking off from the ground under rocket power.

"Everything worked perfectly," Rutan said upon his arrival at the California City Municipal Airport before an enthusiastic crowd of about 75 well-wishers.

Another large crowd gathered at XCOR's hangar earlier to witness the flight preparations, then lined the fence near the runway to witness the take-off.

Among those on hand were 75-year-old Bill Perry and his family from Huntsville, Ala. Perry was the original builder of the Long-EZ that became the EZ-Rocket.

The airplane was a true labor of love for the former NASA employee, who was on the team that designed the lunar rovers. Working on it daily for seven years, Perry finished the plane in 1987 and enjoyed flying it every chance he could, his daughter, Patsy Perry, said.

When medical conditions prevented Perry from piloting, he sold the Long-EZ to his long-time friend, Dan DeLong, XCOR's chief engineer.

"And this is what he did with it," Perry said, gesturing to the EZ-Rocket as it prepared for flight. "It's an amazing rocket."

[BenLurkin]

"FLYING HIGH - Pilot Dick Rutan embarks Saturday on his record-setting flight from Mojave to California City in XCOR's EZ-Rocket." Alan Radecki

[HisKingdomWillAbolishSinDeath]

Dick Rutan = Orville Wright on steroids.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Very cool - where can I get one?

But what was the record for? It's not the fastest. It doesn't go the farthest, or the highest.

(confused)

[al baby]

The 11-minute trek of just more than 16 kilometers established the distance record for a rocket-powered aircraft, weighing under 1,000 kilograms and taking off from the ground under rocket power.

Reading is your friend

[Cringing Negativism Network]

LOL. Thanks.

[UNGN]

I guess the ME-163 weighed more than 1000 Kg, because the Nazi's would have kicked the crap out of that record.

[Kirkwood]

Type: Single-Seat Interceptor
Origin: Messerschmitt AG Models: B-1
First Flight: Spring 1941 (Me 163V1 unpowered); August 1941 powered
Service Delivery: May 1944 with I/JG400
Final Delivery: N/A

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powerplant:
Model: Walter HWK 509A-2
Type: Bi-Propellant Rocket
Thrust: 3,750lb (1700kg)

Fuel:
Capacity: N/A

Type:
T-Stoff (Hydrogen Peroxide)
C-Stoff (Hydrazine/Methanol)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimensions:
Wing span: 30 ft. 7 in. (9.3m)
Length: 18 ft. 8 in. (5.69m)
Height: 9 ft. (2.74m)
Wing Surface Area: N/A

Weights:
Empty: 1,905 kg. (4,191 lb.)
Loaded: 4,110 kg. (9,042 lb.)

Performance:
Maximum Speed: 596mph (960km/h) at 32,800 ft. (10,000m)
Initial climb: 16,400 ft/min. (5000 m/min.)
Service Ceiling: 54,000 ft. (16,500m)
Range (Depending on take-off): under 62 mi. (100 km)

Armament:
Two 20mm Mk 108 in wing roots, each with 60 rounds

Avionics:
N/A

[UNGN]

Thanks for that info! Just as I thought.

The ME163 could go nearly 16 Kilometers STRAIGHT UP.

[Kirkwood]

With only 120 rounds of ammo it was hardly worth the trip!
Must have been a heckuva good kick in the seat of your pants though for its time.