Mooney M10T Aircraft

Mooney International Corporation launched a three-seat advanced trainer aircraft, the M10T, in November 2014. The aircraft is specifically designed to target the global flight training market.

The first M10T proof of concept (POC) aircraft maiden flight was completed at Chino Airport, California, US, in December 2015. The first flight was conducted by Len Fox, a test pilot. The flight, which lasted for 15 minutes, involved conducting basic flight manoeuvres and verifying design data. The aircraft is developed as part of the M10 programme announced at the Zhuhai Airshow, China, in 2014.

The M10T is currently undergoing a flight testing programme and is expected to obtain the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification by 2017. Its deliveries are expected to commence in 2017.

The M10 series aircraft will be marketed globally, with a focus mainly on the Chinese training market.

Production of the light training aircraft

Mooney International plans to produce M10T aircraft at its faculties located in Chino, California, and Kerrville, Texas. Based on the rise in demand for the aircraft, it also plans to commence production of the M10T aircraft at its under-construction facility located in Hunan province, China, in future.

Mooney M10T aircraft design and features

The M10T aircraft features a sleek fuselage design with a forward canted vertical stabiliser. It comes with an all-carbon composite airframe structure and roll-cage design.

The aircraft features a three-wheeled fixed landing gear that can withstand rough and harsh training environments. The optimised wing shape of the aircraft enhances safe low- and high-speed flights. The proven Mooney style tail design provides spin recovery.

The exterior dimensions of the aircraft include a length of 24ft 6in, tail height of 8ft 5in and wingspan of 33ft 5in.

Cockpit and avionics of Mooney M10T aircraft

The M10T comes with a Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite featuring an all-glass, flat-panel cockpit, which includes displays for all primary flight, navigation, engine and sensor data on crystal-sharp, sunlight-readable LCDs. It also comes with flap and pitch-trim display, audible call-outs, dual-battery backup power and Garmin GFC700 autopilot integration.

The aircraft features an ergonomically comfortable sidestick design. It includes wide horizon and three-axis flight dynamics. The avionics further include weather radar, satellite weather data link and lightning-detection interfaces, as well as built-in growth capacity for Class-B terrane awareness and warning system (TAWS) along with detailed topographic mapping.

Aircraft cabin details

The M10T aircraft features a 48in-wide cabin, which has seating for two, specifically one in front and one to the rear. The high-visibility cabin can be accessed through two large doors. The interior features a luxurious design with height-adjustable pilot seats.

The cabin can be incorporated with an optional third seat, which can be used for additional student training or observing opportunities. The space meant for the third seat can also be used for luggage.

Engine and performance details of Mooney M10T

The light training aircraft is powered by the Continental CD-135 Jet-A fuel engine, driven by a MTV-6-A / 190-69 three-bladed composite propeller. The engine is controlled by a single level throttle full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The fuel tank has a capacity of 22gal.

The aircraft has a cruise speed of 140k and can reach a maximum cruise speed up to 160k. It has a maximum range of 500nm.