2-place aircraft designed for home builder. Design goal was to prove canard configuration, using latest aerodynamic technology, could offer improved flight efficiency over contemporary conventional aircraft. To demonstrate this, aircraft specifically designed to challenge world distance records in under-500 kg (1100 lb) gross weight class. Required minimum empty weight, high-aspect ratio wing to minimize induced drag, and unique performance features such as winglets, accurately contoured single- element wings with no drag-producing control surfaces, optimized cooling drag, buried engine, and semi-supine seating to minimize wetted area of cockpit canopy. Also had side-stick controller. At 1975 EAA convention at Oshkosh WI, Varieze established world's record for closed-course distance. Awarded outstanding new design trophy for 1975.