Elbert L. (Burt) Rutan began working on design of VariViggen canard tandem 2-seater 1963, formed Rutan Aircraft Factory Inc. (RAF) at Mojave Airport 1969 and flew VariViggen May 1972. There followed unique series of highly original designs, notably VariEze, LongEZ, Defiant, Grizzly tandem-wing STOL research aircraft and ultra-long-range Voyager (see Voyager). Consultant designs include NASA AD-1 slew-wing, Fairchild NGT (new-generation trainer), Quickie prototypes and numerous other prototype or research aircraft.