Mooney Airplane Co. has unveiled its second new airplane in less than 60 days with the introduction of the 310-horsepower Ovation3.
At Sun ‘n Fun in April, the Kerrville, Texas-based company unveiled the turbo-normalized Acclaim.
The Ovation3 offers all the features of the Ovation2 GX, but with a higher horsepower normally aspirated engine that provides improved climb and cruise performance, company officials said. Powered by a Teledyne Continental Motors IO 550-G/AP engine, the Ovation3 has a shorter takeoff distance and will cruise approximately 9 knots faster than the 280 horsepower Ovation2 GX, depending on altitude.
Available now, it is priced at $453,500.
“The first one will enter service this month,” said David Copeland, vp of sales and marketing. “With a maximum cruise speed of 197 knots, it is the fastest normally-aspirated single engine airplane available. It joins the Acclaim, which will enter service later this year as the fastest turbo-normalized single, cruising in excess of 235 knots.”
“On a recent trip in the prototype, it was immediately apparent that its takeoff, climb and cruise numbers are considerably better than the Ovation2 GX,” added Rick Neely, Mooney’s director of domestic sales. “With three passengers and a full load of fuel on board, our takeoff roll was approximately 800 feet. I had a big smile on my face the whole way.”