Mini-IMP Aircraft Company

THE MINI-IMP MODEL “C”

The Model “C” version of the Mini-IMP is the long nose version which was developed after the prototype was flown with the Limbach converted VW engine.  The Model “C” is powered with the Continental O-200 engine (100 HP at sea level at full throttle).  The Model “C” also incorporates a larger baggage compartment and the nose is lengthened 12 inches so that the pilot sits one foot further forward of the main bulkhead.  This lengthening of the nose required the installation of an additional vertical fin on tip of the tail boom giving the “long nose” Mini-IMP an inverted “Y” tail configuration.  This addition was used instead of lengthening the tail boom to accommodate the longer nose length of the design rather than lengthen the shaft and to accommodate the further aft placement of the propeller (with its weight effect on the CG).

The O-200 powered Mini-IMP requires the use of a different propeller and due to the increased weight of the engine a heavier landing gear is used.  The drawings indicate several other areas of change for the Model “C” needed to accommodate the higher power and resulting performance increases.  These include heavier side frame members and a different nosewheel installation.  When ordering “kits” be sure to advise of your preference in this regard.  The same set of drawings is used to cover either version of the Mini-IMP (the long nose or the short nose).

It is practical to use the long nose version with the big baggage compartment if the builder intends to use the turbocharged Revmaster engine and controllable propeller.  However, if the normally aspirated Revmaster engine and a fixed pitch propeller (or other such VW conversion) is to be used, the short nose configuration should be used.

PERFORMANCE OF THE MODEL “C”

A prototype of the Model “C” has been flown extensively and its improved performance with the higher power is evident.  Flight tests of the O-200 powered Mini-IMP “C” have shown a cruise speed of approximately 175 MPH at 4000 foot altitude at 75% rated power.  Climb speeds of better than 1500 FPM are initially available at full throttle.  These performances are obtained at approximately 1000 pounds gross weight.  Exact performance to be obtained with any engine combination is of course dependent on the power level the builder wants to pull from his engine/propeller installation.  The O-200 Model “C” requires approximately the same takeoff and landing run as the VW versions, with exact performance dependent on temperature, altitude, and gross weight.

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