Quickie Q2

Quickie Q2: The Futuristic Efficiency Machine

The Quickie Q2 is an iconic composite aircraft designed to offer high performance and cross-country capability on a minimal fuel budget. Designed by Tom Jewett, Gene Sheehan, and Burt Rutan, its genius lies in its distinct “tandem wing” configuration and its sleek, fiberglass construction. It is the fastest and most stylish way to get the most mileage out of every drop of fuel.

Why Is It a Legend?

• Unmatched Efficiency: Known as the “Ferrari of homebuilts,” it achieves incredible speeds using small automotive-conversion engines (like VW) or small aircraft engines. It goes fast on very little power.

• Composite Construction: Instead of wood and nails, the Q2 is built using the “Rutan moldless method” (hot-wiring insulation foam and covering it with fiberglass and epoxy). This creates a incredibly smooth, aerodynamic shape.

• Safety in Stall: Its tandem wing design functions as a canard. Theoretically, the front wing stalls before the rear wing, causing the nose to drop gently rather than entering a dangerous spin, making it stable in pitch.

• Sci-Fi Aesthetics: With its curves and unique wheel pants located at the tips of the front wings, it looks more like a spaceship than a traditional airplane.

Performance and Key Numbers
Unlike the Sky Pup, the Q2 is built for speed and distance. It is a true cross-country machine designed to cover ground quickly.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 2 (Side-by-side seating)

• Wingspan: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)

• Length: 19 ft 10 in (6.05 m)

• Wing Area: 67 sq ft (6.22 m²)

• Empty Weight: 490 – 550 lbs (222 – 250 kg)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

• Useful Load: Approx. 450 – 500 lbs (205 – 227 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 64 hp (VW Revmaster) to 100 hp (Continental O-200 in the Q200 version)

Performance:

• Glide Ratio: Approx. 14:1 (Very sleek aerodynamics)

• Cruise Speed: 140 – 180 mph (225 – 290 km/h) depending on engine

• Stall Speed: 55 – 60 mph (88 – 96 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 800 – 1,200 ft/min (4 – 6 m/s)

• Takeoff Distance: 600 – 800 ft (180 – 240 m)

• Landing Distance: 1,000 ft (300 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 3 – 5 gallons per hour (11 – 19 L/h)

• Range: Approx. 500 – 800 miles (800 – 1,200 km) with reserve

In short, the Quickie Q2 is the perfect choice if you want to fly fast, look cool, and travel long distances without spending a fortune on aviation fuel. It is a builder’s plane that rewards precision with incredible performance.