[Avionics Today 11-13-2014] The recently resurrected General Aviation (GA) airframe manufacturer Mooney announced at Airshow China that it is currently working on a line of two-seater aircraft, the M10 series. The announcement was made by Mooney International, the new global wing of Mooney, which was first introduced during the 2014 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture show.
Mooney describes the M10T as a modern fixed gear composite trainer powered by a Continental CD-135 Diesel engine, designed to train new pilots for the "Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) that they will be flying in the future." The second airframe of the M10 series, the M10J, will be designed with "more luxuries and amenities for the owner pilot." The M10J will be powered with the CD-155 diesel engine and certification for the M10 series is expected in 2017.
By unveiling the new series at Airshow China, Mooney took a strategic step in providing two new airframes; the first of which, the M10T, can serve as a trainer for new pilots that will be required to meet projected demand in China — which is projected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to become the world’s largest air passenger market by 2030. The M10J, in contrast, will become available for GA pilots in China that will be able to increase flight operations with the continued relaxation of the military-controlled Chinese airspace.
“We designed the all new M10J model with longtime Mooney fans in mind. The M20J helped change general aviation by making flying practical to more people across the U.S. Now, the M10J promises to do the same for the world. Not just in the U.S., but also in China as its general aviation industry quickly develops,” said Mooney International CEO Jerry Chen.