Mini Coupe

The Mini Coupe is a single engine, single place, aluminum construction, low-wing aircraft with a twin rudder layout.[1] The aircraft shares the same basic configuration as the larger Erco Ercoupe, providing the basis for the name Mini Coupe. The complete parts kit for the aircraft is no longer sold. Plans are available for scratch building the aircraft.

Mini Coupe
Role Kit aircraft
Manufacturer Chris Tena Aircraft, DCS Inc.
Designer Bill Johnson
First flight September 1970
Primary user private owners
Unit cost
USD$960 (1972)

Development
DCS Mini Coupe

The Mini Coupe was designed to be built using simple tools and techniques, relying on extensive use of pop-riveted aluminum construction. Originally designed to take advantage of low-cost VW engines, the Mini Coupe can accept various engines of between 65 and 100 hp (48 and 75 kW). The ailerons and twin rudders are push-pull tube operated. The original kit was sold in 1974 for $1694 with a total parts cost of about $2400. The kit included all construction materials for the aircraft.[2] If built to specifications, it meets the requirements to be certified as an Experimental Aircraft meeting Light Sport Aircraft criteria.

The Mini Coupe kit rights were marketed by Chris Tena, then Bill Johnson (Bill Johnson and Chris Tenea were one and the same; Chris was Bill's wife, after whom he named the airplane.) "Sport International", then finally Buck Sport Aviation.[3]

Specifications (Mini Coupe with VW Engine)

Data from manufacturer’s website[4]

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 1
  • Length: 16 ft 4.6 in (4.994 m)
  • Wingspan: 24 ft (7.3 m)
  • Empty weight: 497 lb (225 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 13
  • Powerplant: 1 × VW 1600cc air-cooled piston , 65 hp (48 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 78 kn (90 mph, 140 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 42 kn (48 mph, 77 km/h)
  • Range: 260 nmi (300 mi, 480 km)
  • Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
  • Rate of climb: 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s)
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References
  1. Peter Abbott III. "the Easy-To-Assemble Mini Coupe". Plane And Pilot Homebuilt Aircraft 1974 Annual.
  2. Sheldon M Gallagher and Howard Levy (September 1974). "Mini Coupe VW powered midget you build from a kit". Popular Mechanics: 78.
  3. "Mini Coupe". Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  4. "Mini Coupe". DCS Inc. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
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