Photograph:
Mooney M-20R Ovation VH-MMP (c/n 29-0203)at Wedderburn, NSW in November 2012 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Light cabin monoplane
Power Plant:
One 149 kw (200 hp) Lycoming IO-360-A1A four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.67 m (35 ft)
- Length: 7.06 m (23 ft 2 in)
- Height: 2.55 m (8 ft 4½ in)
- Wing area: 15.5 m² (166.93 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 317 km/h (197 mph)
- Max cruising speed at 2,286 m (7,500 ft): 301 km/h (187 mph)
- Economical cruising speed at 3,048 m (10,000 ft): 270 km/h (168 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 341 m/min (1,120 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 5,944 m (19,500 ft)
- Max range with max fuel: 1,648 km (1,024 miles)
- Empty weight: 714 kg (1,575 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,168 kg (2,575 lb)
History:
The prototype of the Mooney M-20 series was flown for the first time on 10 August 1953, and since then the type has been in continuous production in a variety of models. The first production model, deliveries of which began in 1955, was fitted with the 112 kw (150 hp) Lycoming O-320 engine. In 1959 the Model 20A, of which 700 were built, was produced with the up-rated 134 kw (180 hp) Lycoming O-360 engine. These models all had a pressure-bonded laminated spruce airframe.
On 23 September 1961 the prototype of a new model, the M-20C Mk 21 was flown, the first production aircraft being flown on 7 November that year. This was extensively re-designed, and had an all-metal airframe but still retained the IO-360 engine of 134 kw (180 hp). At about this time the M-20D Master variant appeared, this being the M-20C with a fixed undercarriage, and less comprehensive equipment and furnishings. The prototype of this model was flown on 22 September 1962.
Subsequently the M-20E Super 21 appeared. The prototype of this variant was flown on 6 July 1963, and was followed almost immediately by the M-20F Executive 21. This was similar but with a special executive interior. These latter models were fitted with the 149 kw (200 hp) Lycoming IO-360 engine. In November 1969 Mooney was purchased by Butler Aviation International and the aircraft name was changed to Aerostar Mooney. The M-20C, named the Ranger, and the M-20F Executive, continued in production, with the Super 21 being re-introduced as the Chaparral. Production ceased in 1972.
In 1974 Republican Steel took over and production resumed. It was at this time that an extensive aerodynamic clean-up campaign began, and the new models 201, 231 (M-20K), and Ranger appeared. Modifications included completely covered wheels, new propeller, new engine cowls, re-designed windshield, flush riveting, etc. The Model 231 was a turbocharged model with a 157 kw (210 hp) Continental TSIO-360-LB1B six-cylinder engine which provided a maximum cruising speed of 354 km/h (220 mph).
The Mooney was also fitted, in co-operation with Porsche Aktiengesellschaft of West Germany, with a 158 kw (212 hp) Porsche PFM 3200 six-cylinder engine. The first conversion (D-EAFE), a Model 231, flew on a ‘proof of concept’ world tour in 1985, visiting Australia during December but only a few examples were built with the Porsche engine. This model did not prove successful as the engine was heavier than the Lycoming, the aircraft was slower in cruise, and the engine was considerably more expensive to install.
Development of the type continued to the 201LM from 1986, the 201 evolving into the M-20J 205 with rounded cabin windows, and re-designed wingtips. The M-20K 252TSE (Turbo Special Edition) was developed from the 231 and had a 157 kw (210 hp) turbocharged inter-cooled Continental TSIO-360 engine. The M-20M TLS/Bravo was introduced in 1989 with a longer fuselage and a Textron Lycoming TIO-540 engine. The M-20J MSE 205 then became the Allegro with a 149 kw (200 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-360-A3B6D engine.
In 1994 the M-20R Ovation was introduced, based on the Bravo fuselage but fitted with a 209 kw (280 hp) Continental IO-550G six-cylinder engine. For a short period the M-20K Encore was produced with a turbocharged TSIO-360 engine. In 1998 the M-20S Eagle replaced the Allegro on the production line, this being fitted with a 182 kw (244 hp) continental IO-550 engine. At the time of publication production continues of the M-20M Bravo and M-20R Ovation models.
The series has been very popular in this region and examples registered in Australia include: M-20B Mk 20 (10), M-20C Mk 21 Ranger (24), M-20E Super 21 Chaparral (14), M-20F Executive (14), M-20G Statesman (1), M-20J 201 and 205 (68), M-20K 231 and 252 (16), M-20L PFM (2), M-20M TLS Sabre (1), and M-20R Ovation (5). In New Zealand Mooneys registered have included: M-20C (7), M-20E (1), M-20F (1), M-20G (1), and M-20J (1).