TYPE: Two-seat aerobatic training aircraft.

PROGRAMME: Developed for US Air Force Enhanced Flight Screener requirement; prototype (N222FS) flew 6 February 1991; certification to aerobatic category FAR 23 Amendment 39 scheduled for December 1991; first deliveries May 1992.

VARIANTS: EFS: Military trainer.
M20T: Civil version, available from third quarter 1992.

CUSTOMERS: US Air Force requires up to 125 EFS to replace Cessna T-41As at Colorado Springs and Hondo (San Antonio) bases; request for proposals expected July 1991; selection and contract award expected December 1991.

COSTS: Under US$200,000 anticipated for M20T (1991).

DESIGN FEATURES: Modified M20 airframe (252TSE wing, 257TLS fuselage, cabin and tail unit); powered by 194 kW (260 hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-540; engine moved 12 cm (4.7 in) aft; strengthened forward-fuselage tubular skeleton; composites wingtips replaced by metal components; fin and rudder extended by 15 cm (6 in); sliding one-piece canopy; side by side seating, instructor on left with second throttle; stressed to +6/-3g for aerobatics; target max T-O weight 1,315 kg (2,900 lb); design max cruising speed 180 knots (334 km/h; 207 mph); rate of climb 457 m (1,500 ft)/min; max range 850 nm (1,575 km; 979 miles) at 3,050 m (10,000 ft); max endurance 6 h.