In the Air: Flying First Class
February 2, 2004
In general aviation, there are many classic designs. Timeless beauty,
utility, reliability, and excellent performance continue to drive demand for
long-established aircraft from Beech Piper, Cessna, and Mooney. Just as the
collector of fine watches might prefer the mechanical movement of a vintage
wristwatch to a more modern quartz timepiece, many pilots and aircraft
manufacturers prefer the familiarity, performance, and utility of hand-set
rivets, machined wing spars, and carefully formed aluminum to more modern
construction.
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The Mooney Bravo2 DX combines superlative performance with the finest
craftsmanship from second- and third-generation fabricators. (Click image to enlarge)With its long, tapered laminar flow wing and unique tail, the
sleek Mooney design has always been the benchmark for light aircraft
performance. Handbuilt by second- and third-generation aircraft fabricators, the
basic airframe of the Mooney 20 has been around for half a century. Continuous
development of this well-engineered aircraft has given it increased strength,
interior space, reliability, safety, and that most important commodity—speed.
The Bravo2 DX is the latest in a long line of proven Mooney 20 series
aircraft. A variation of the earlier Bravo2, the DX uses the 270 hp Lycoming TIO
540 engine to achieve a top speed of over 220 knots (253 mph), and a range of
just over 1,000 nautical miles. Still, after years of production, it remains the
fastest four-seat retractable-gear production aircraft available. For those not
needing high-altitude turbocharged performance, Mooney also offers this airframe
in two other versions, each featuring the improvements of the DX: the 244 hp,
180-knot (208 mph) Eagle2 DX and the 280 hp, 192-knot (220 mph) Ovation2 DX.
Both of these aircraft use the efficient, smooth running Continental 550 cu in
engine.
Since the Bravo2 DX’s predecessor already possessed speed and range
superior to any aircraft in its class, the cockpit environment and electrical
system received the focus in this latest Mooney iteration. Nicolas Chabbert,
executive vice president of sales and marketing, took charge of the DX’s cockpit
makeover. “We wanted to improve visibility for all pilots, and sometimes a
better design is found in the past. We were able to lower the glare shield
height by two inches and improve visibility by using the earlier 252 model glare
shield.” When combined with Mooney’s six-way fully adjustable seats, even a
pilot with a short inseam, such as myself, can find a very comfortable position
behind the redesigned instrument panel.
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