Mini Coupe

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)

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.

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 in the same. Chris was Bill's wife that he named the airplane after) "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; 145 km/h (90 mph)
• Stall speed: 42 kn; 77 km/h (48 mph)
• Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
• Rate of climb: 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s)

References