Rutan, Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled Composites Project List

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHdbTGG5bWs
 
Just for the record, and thought they have been covered elsewhere on the forum, the three latest known additions to the Rutan/Scaled list, all from 2017:
  • Model 400: "clean-sheet" tandem-seating jet trainer prototype with single F404-GE-102D turbofan engine of 17700lbs thrust; planned by NG for T-X competition but eventually not entered. One single prototype [N400NT] (c/n 001).
  • Model 401 "Son of Ares": single-seat jet demonstrator with P&WC JT15D-5D, cantilever low wing, V-tail; built for as-yet unnamed customer to demonstrate "advanced, low-cost manufacturing techniques" for production of research aircraft for both industry and government. Two prototypes [N401XD] (c/n 001), [N401XP] (c/n 002), named "Deimos" and "Phobos", after the names of planet Mars's two natural satellites (Mars being the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Ares).
  • Model 406 Ardent Dragon: 15-foot remote-controlled flying wing drone built to demonstrate the effectiveness of Scaled Composites' rapid prototyping and engineering processes.
 
https://twitter.com/TheWoracle/status/1011286332281376768?s=19
 

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Skyblazer said:
I knew I'd seen that shape before...

Obviously Burt Rutan does not always start from scratch. He based the "Manta" on Vincent Burnelli's 1947 fighter design.

A sweet serendipity from the gallery at flateric's linked page: Burt Rutan working on his computer with the same bizarre model at his side...
Does anyone know what the drawing in the lower right might be? It looks like a delta with telescoping wings and centerline engine.
rutan mystery ship.jpg
 
Skyblazer said:
I knew I'd seen that shape before...

Obviously Burt Rutan does not always start from scratch. He based the "Manta" on Vincent Burnelli's 1947 fighter design.

A sweet serendipity from the gallery at flateric's linked page: Burt Rutan working on his computer with the same bizarre model at his side...
Does anyone know what the drawing in the lower right might be? It looks like a delta with telescoping wings and centerline engine.
View attachment 697105

Looks like X-47A with B exhaust and wing extensions
 
Skyblazer said:
I knew I'd seen that shape before...

Obviously Burt Rutan does not always start from scratch. He based the "Manta" on Vincent Burnelli's 1947 fighter design.

A sweet serendipity from the gallery at flateric's linked page: Burt Rutan working on his computer with the same bizarre model at his side...
Does anyone know what the drawing in the lower right might be? It looks like a delta with telescoping wings and centerline engine.
I see some similarities with his VTOL tailsitter, mostly in the wing shape, which might be hinged, I think?
But I'm not even completely sure on which side is the front and the rear, so...
 
[*]Model 401 "Son of Ares": single-seat jet demonstrator with P&WC JT15D-5D, cantilever low wing, V-tail; built for as-yet unnamed customer to demonstrate "advanced, low-cost manufacturing techniques" for production of research aircraft for both industry and government. Two prototypes [N401XD] (c/n 001), [N401XP] (c/n 002), named "Deimos" and "Phobos", after the names of planet Mars's two natural satellites (Mars being the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Ares).
[/list]
View: https://x.com/Task_Force23/status/1813580918168461690
 
Scaled Composites new, fairly recent and "mystery" programs I've listed;
  • unidentified MALE or HALE piloted jet aircraft with circular part of wingplan atop fuselage (see post #84);
  • Model 357 — a model number assigned to a secret project mentioned in passing by Burt Rutan;
  • "Masscott" — seemingly a hand-launched UAV which appears in a 2016 presentation (see post #83);
  • "Great Horned Owl" (XRQ-72) — an all-wing UAV with four pusher fans atop fuselage;
  • "Little Horned Owl" — a straight-wing UAV with twin-boom tail (booms extend aft of wing and beyond propeller);
  • Model 412 "Encore" — a high-altitude optionally-manned Proteus derivative;
  • XR-73 SHEPARD — Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (X-prime program) stealth hybrid uncrewed aircraft system;
  • Model 432 — unspecified glider; five registrations reserved with FAA on Sep. 18, 2023 [N432XA, *XC, *XS, *XX, *XZ], that all expired on Oct. 18, 2024, and one registration active [N432SF, c/n 003], with certification issued August 13, 2024 for seven years;
  • Model 444 — unspecified type; two registrations reserved with FAA on Sep. 9, 2024 [N444LX, *NS], expiring on Oct. 9, 2025.
  • A transatmospheric variable geometry model mentioned by Corey Hixson as "based on the tests carried out by Scaled Composites, LLC, which now the company is sure to take to the next altitude when able. The flaps between the airfoils change the pressures involved and are effective at extremely high altitudes. GE will likely have viable powerplants soon."
Since we know that the XRQ-73 SHEPARD is due for flying in late 2024, it makes sense to me that this could be what Model 444 is about... We'll see. The glider, however, is a bit more of a mystery.
 

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