Markings: GROSS KARL W, TUCSON ,Az
Serial Number 1002
Specifications (2007 Mooney M20TN Acclaim)
General characteristics
Crew: one pilot
Capacity: 3 passengers
Length: 26 ft 9 in (8.15 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 5 in (11.1 m)
Height: 8 ft 4 in (2.5 m)
Wing area: 175.7 sq ft (16.3 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 63-215
Empty weight: 2370 lb (1074 kg)
Loaded weight: 3374 lb (1528 kg)
Useful load: 1004 lb (454 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 3374 lb (1528 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Continental Motors TSI0-550-G Turbo-normalized with twin turbo and dual intercoolers air-cooled, 6-cylinder, horizontally-opposed piston engine, 280 hp (171 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 242 knots (278 mph, 448 km/h)
Cruise speed: 237 knots (272 mph, 438 km/h)
Range: 1445 nm (std tanks) (1662 mi, 2676 km)
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7625 m)
Rate of climb: 1240 ft/min (378 m/min)
Wing loading: 19.2 lb/ft² (96 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 12.0 lb/hp (0.11 kW/kg)
The Mooney M20 is a family of high performance, piston-powered, propeller-driven general aviation aircraft, all featuring a low-wing and tricycle gear, manufactured by the Mooney Airplane Company.[2][3][4]
The "M20" was the twentieth design from Al Mooney, and his most successful. The M20 series was produced in many variations over the last 50 years, from the wooden wing M20 and M20A models of the 1950s,[4] to the M20TN Acclaim that debuted in the 21st century and is currently in production.
Variants
M20 and M20A
The original M20 (1955–1958) and the M20A (1958–1960) have wings made of wood and covered with cloth, but are otherwise similar to later all-metal models. With the M20A, the power was increased from the M20’s 150 hp (110 kW) to 180 hp (130 kW).[5][4]
Early in the model’s history there were several incidents of wooden tails breaking up in flight due to water damage and the resulting rot. Consequently, most tails have now been replaced with all-metal copies, as required by Mooney Service Bulletin M20-170A and the FAA Airworthiness Directive 86-19-10. Without the possibility of metal fatigue, the wooden wing has an indefinite life expectancy and is considered by some pilots provide a smoother ride in turbulence.[6][7]
The M20 received its type certification on 24 August 1955 with the M20A following on 13 February 1958.[8]
M20B
Mooney addressed the dwindling supply of woodworkers by switching to an all metal design in 1961 with the M20B. The all metal design added some weight and cost 5 to 8 knots (9 to 15 km/h) in top end speed versus the wood-wing models. There have been no reported in-flight breakups of all-metal M20s other than as a result of flight directly into a thunderstorm.[citation needed]
The M20B was type certified on 14 December 1960.[8]
M20C
An M20C Mark 21In 1962 Mooney made further incremental improvements in the M20C Ranger, produced between 1962–1978.[5][2]
The M20C was the last short body Mooney in production, with more M20Cs produced than any other Mooney model.[citation needed]
The M20C was type certified on 20 October 1961.[8]
M20D
In 1963 Mooney introduced the M20D Master,[5] essentially an M20C with fixed gear and a fixed-pitch propeller.[2][4]
The M20D was type certified on 15 October 1962.[8]
The aircraft was intended primarily for flight training and for owners seeking lower insurance rates.[citation needed]
The M20D lasted in production only until 1966. Most have now been converted to M20Cs for increased cruise speed and climb performance.[citation needed]
M20E
A very early production 1964 model Mooney M20E Super 21The first truly high performance Mooney, the M20E, was produced from 1964 to 1975 and marketed as the Chaparral and Super 21.[2][5]
The M20E was essentially an M20C with a more powerful 200 hp (150 kW) fuel-injected engine.[4] It was type certified on 04 September 1963.[8]
This short body Mooney still has the distinction of having the shortest takeoff runway requirement at lower elevations.[citation needed]
Turbocharging, which would maintain this performance at higher elevations, is available as an after-market option.[citation needed]
M20F & M20G
A Mooney M20F Executive in Gimli, Manitoba, May 1987
M20F Executive at Centennial AirportMooney stretched the fuselage and added a third fuselage side window for the first time with the M20F Executive 21, which was produced between 1966–1977.[5][2] The M20F is otherwise similar to the M20E.[4]
The M20G Statesman, produced 1968–1970, was a stretched M20C incorporating the carburated 180hp engine.[2] Many M20G owners later converted to the 200hp engine.[citation needed]
In 1969 Mooney made electrically-operated landing gear and flaps standard across all its aircraft. Prior to that, pilots extended and retracted the standard landing gear using a heavy metal Johnson bar. Electrically-extended landing gear was an option.[citation needed]
The M20F was type certified on 25 July 1965 with the M20G following on 13 November 1967.[8]
M20J
An M20J in Australia
Mooney M20J (VH-SPN) at Rottnest Island, Western AustraliaMooney hired Roy LoPresti to undertake an aerodynamic cleanup of the M20F, resulting in the 1977 model year debut of the M20J. The M20J was marketed under the name Mooney 201 because of its 201 mph (323 km/h) top speed in level flight. The M20J first flew in September, 1976 and was type certified on 27 September 1976.[5][2][4][8]
The improved aerodynamic shape and updated 200 hp (150 kW) engine made the M20J the second most popular variant of the M20 series, after the M20C. It is often used as a training aircraft for commercial pilots. It was originally designed as a private/commercial touring aircraft because of the high cruising speed and relatively low operational cost. This model was marketed as the Mooney 205. The J model had a long production run, lasting until 1998, thus ending the medium body M20 series.[citation needed]
M20K
Up through the M20J all Mooney M20s had four-cylinder Lycoming engines. After designing the M20J, Mooney modified the basic design to include a variety of more powerful six-cylinder engines, including some models with turbocharged engines. The first such design was the turbocharged M20K, which was produced between 1979–1998.[5][4]
The M20K was marketed as the Mooney 231. This model’s Continental TSI0-360-GB engine was challenging to operate at acceptable engine temperatures, so by 1986 it was replaced with an intercooled engine, eliminating the temperature problems and achieving a top speed of 252 mph (406 km/h) in level flight (at FL 280). This variant was marketed as the Mooney 252.[5][2]
The M20K was type certified on 16 November 1978.[8]
M20L
In 1988 Mooney went to even greater lengths, partnering with Porsche to include their geared single-lever Porsche PFM 3200 N03 engine of 217 hp (162 kW) and stretching the fuselage the last time to produce the first long body M20. Most M20Ls no longer use this unique engine. M20L production ended in 1990. This model was marketed as the Mooney PFM.[5]
The M20L achieved type certification on 25 February 1988.[8]
M20M
The M20M (1989–2006) boosted output initially to 270 hp (200 kW) and was also turbocharged. The M20R (1994–) started at 280 hp (210 kW) and was normally aspirated. With minor changes in engine output (e.g. the M20S "Eagle") and various performance tweaks, these two basic models (both high power, both with long bodies, one with turbocharging) remain in production today as the "Bravo" and "Ovation".[5]
The M20M was type certified on 28 June 1989.[8]
M20R
Introduced in 1994, the M20R Ovation mated a long body fuselage to a Continental IO-550-G normally aspirated powerplant of 280 hp (210 kW). This model was named Flying Magazine’s single-engine plane of the year in 1994.[5]
The M20R was type certified on 30 June 1994.[8]
M20S
The M20S Eagle was introduced in 199 and was powered by a Continental IO-550-G engine of 244 hp (182 kW). In 2001 the Eagle 2 was introduced. This model included such refinements as a 3-bladed propellor, a 100 lb (45 kg) gross weight increase and standard leather interior.[5]
The M20S was type certified on 07 February 1999.[8]
M20T
Mooney M20T Predator prototype, N20XT, on display at Sun ‘n Fun 2006The M20T Predator, a canopy-equipped version of the basic M20 design powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine, was Mooney’s entrant in the USAF Enhanced Flight Screener competition. The prototype was built in 1991 and displayed in tiger-stripe paint scheme. The contract was won by the ill-fated Slingsby T-67 Firefly and the M20T was not developed or certified. The sole prototype, registered N20XT, was flown in the Experimental – Market Survey category and was still owned by Mooney Aircraft in 2008.[9][10][8]
Mooney M20TN AcclaimM20TN
The M20TN Acclaim is latest version of the M20 design, powered by a turbo-normalized Continental Motors TSI0-550-G powerplant with twin turbochargers and dual intercoolers. It was type certified on 15 October 2006.[8]
The Acclaim replaced the Mooney M20M Bravo in the current company product line.[11]
Mooney and Columbia Aircraft (now owned by Cessna) have frequently traded positions as producer of the fastest production single-engine piston aircraft. Currently, the Acclaim’s 242 knot cruise speed at FL250[12][13] puts it ahead of the Cessna 400 (formerly known as the Columbia 400) and the turbo-charged version of the Cirrus SR22 GTS. The Cessna 400 is advertised has having a 235 kn (435 km/h) cruise speed, while the Cirrus SR22 GTS has a 220 kn (410 km/h) cruise, both attained at FL250. The Acclaim has retractable landing gear, while the Cessna and Cirrus both have fixed landing gear.
