Aerocar Mini-IMP

The Aerocar Mini-IMP (Independently Made Plane) is a light aircraft designed by Moulton Taylor and marketed for homebuilding by Aerocar International. It is a scaled-down derivative of his original Aerocar IMP design. A two-seat version called the Bullet was also built. The Mini-IMP follows the same unconventional layout as its larger predecessor, with a center mounted engine, long driveshaft to a tail propeller, and inverted-V rudder/elevators.[1]

Aerocar Mini Imp
Mini Imp flyby in 1969
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Aerocar International
Designer Moulton Taylor
Status Plans available (2015)
Developed from Aerocar IMP

The aircraft is available in the form of plans for amateur construction. Following Taylor's death, the plans and licensing for the Mini-IMP have been marketed by the Mini-IMP Aircraft Company of Weatherford, Texas.[2][3][4]

Design and development

The aircraft features a cantilever high-wing, a single-seat enclosed cockpit, fixed or retractable tricycle landing gear or conventional landing gear and a single engine in pusher configuration.[2][3]

The aircraft is made from riveted aluminum sheet. Its 24.5 ft (7.5 m) span wing is mounted well behind the pilot and employs a NASA GA(PC)-1 airfoil. The engine is mounted behind the pilot's seat driving the propeller through an extension shaft. Engines used include the 60 to 100 hp (45 to 75 kW) Volkswagen air-cooled engine four-stroke.[2][3][5]

Taylor claimed the Mini-IMP was not an original design, but an updated version of the 1912 Edson Fessenden Gallaudet Bullet, a design that was capable of 110 mph in the earliest days of flight.[6]

In the late 1970s inquiries were made concerning a military version of the Mini-IMP, skinned with Kevlar, armed with two 7.62-millimeter machine guns, and with room in the baggage compartment for a considerable quantity of ammunition. Nothing came of the proposal.[7]

Specifications (typical Mini-IMP)

Data from Bayerl and Tacke[2][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 24 ft 6 in (7.46 m)
  • Empty weight: 518 lb (235 kg)
  • Gross weight: 805 lb (365 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 12 U.S. gallons (45 L; 10.0 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Volkswagen air-cooled engine four cylinder, 1835 cc, air-cooled, four stroke automotive conversion, 60 hp (45 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 175 mph (281 km/h, 152 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 150 mph (240 km/h, 130 kn)
  • Stall speed: 43 mph (69 km/h, 37 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6 m/s)

See also

Related development:

References
  1. "Mini-IMP". Mini-imp.com. Retrieved October 9, 2012.
  2. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12, page 111. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015–16, page 117. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  4. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 61. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Archived from the original on 9 August 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  6. "Designers talk about the future". Air Progress: 18. January 1979.
  7. Jane's Information Group. Jane's All The World's Aircraft, 1981–1982 edition.
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