Propulsion on the M20J is provided by a Lycoming IO-360 four-cylinder injected engine with 200 hp. Fuel is transferred from the wing tanks to the injector via a pump powered by the engine, with an electric boost pump available. The Money M20J stores its fuel in two separate tanks located at the inboard section of each wing. This impression is mostly limited to it on the ground though, in flight under most trim settings the fin sits at an almost vertical position. It is always easy to spot a Mooney on the ramp: the M20 has a unique forward-swept vertical stabilizer. The wings are fitted with stall strips to improve behavior at the edge of the envelope. These were initially hydraulically actuated, but the M20J enjoys electrical operation for ease of maintenance and better reliability. A total of 70% of their trailing edge is comprised by slotted flaps. The low-mounted wing covered in aluminum, with 1.5 degrees of washout and 5.5 degrees of dihedral. The Mooney M20J uses a conventional electrically operated landing gear handle, as opposed to earlier variants that required a hand-cranked lever inspired by the Johnson Bar found in locomotives, Al Mooney’s previous area of expertise. The aircraft uses rubber disc shock absorbers. The main landing gear legs are attached to the main wing spar while the nose gear is mounted onto the steel frame in the forward part of the fuselage. The M20J has a maximum takeoff weight of 2740 lbs.Ī staple of Mooney M20 variants including the M20J is the retractable landing gear, made of chrome-molybdenum steel.
The Mooney M20J variant belongs in the medium-body series of the M20 family and seats up to four people. In keeping with the goal to make a sleek aircraft, many of the aircraft’s rivets are flush mounted to reduce drag. The forward fuselage is a steel-tube structure covered in aluminum skin, while the rear portion is a semi-monocoque design. The aircraft has a fully metallic construction. The Mooney M20J shares many design aspects with its other M20 family members. During its production run, the Mooney M20J was also called “Mooney 201” by the company, because it could fly at 201 miles per hour. This variant was the result of a long improvement program aimed at bringing greater top speeds into the family. It was introduced in 1955 with the wooden wing Mooney M20 and M20A, but received continuous upgrades, refinements and redesigns up until the end of its long production run in 2019.īarely two decades into its production, Mooney introduced the M20J in 1976. The Mooney M20’s name comes from being the 20 th project by self-taught American aircraft designer Albert W. Pilots familiar with it praise the aircraft for being like a sports car, and those of cross-country disposition are especially fond of its reliable equipment and high speeds. The Mooney M20 family is instantly recognizable thanks to its unique forward-swept vertical stabilizer. The American lowrider follows the adage of “if it looks good, it flies good”, and has a well-deserved reputation as a showstopper wherever it makes a stop at.