Pilot's Post - THE MIDGET MUSTANG-HOMEBUILT POCKET ROCKET

Celebrating its 66th anniversary the Midget Mustang designed in 1948 by David Long then the Chief Engineer at Piper the Midget Mustang is probably one of the most enduring homebuilt designs ever.

Long designed the Midget Mustang (also known as the Long Mustang) to compete in the Cleveland National Air Races. Midget class racers were restricted to an engine of no more than 190 cubic inches, a minimum wing area of 66 square feet, minimum weight of 500 pounds, fixed landing gear and a structure able to with stand at least 6G. The Midget Mustang did not disappoint and finished 2nd in the elimination heat unfortunately not finishing the finals due to engine problems. As more powerful engines became available it eventually reached 181 mph in competition flying. The Midget was not only a competitive race plane during the late 40s and early 50s, today it is an outstanding sports plane able to cruise comfortably at 175 mph.

Although designed as a racer Long had envisaged full scale production of the Midget as a post WWII sport plane and before his untimely death in 1950 in an engine failure crash had made arrangements with Schweizer Aircraft to start production. Sadly the market never developed partly because of the large number of surplus WWII aircraft available at bargain prices and partly due to depressed state of the economy. The Midget did attract attention from the homebuilders' movement that was then still in its infancy but orders were still slow and full scale production not feasible.

In the late 50s homebuilding had become all the rage and Robert (Bob) Bushby saw the potential of Long's design and purchased all the rights including tooling and form blocks from Schweitzer. Initially only plans were sold but as demand increased kits were produced and sold and constant improvements in the quality of the kits have reduced the average built time of the Midget to about 1000 hours. Standard Midget kits include a fully assembled centre section including pre-bent parts and pre-rolled wing leading edges. All bulkhead parts, wing skins and control surfaces are pilot drilled. Quick built kits consisting of fully or partially built wings, assembled tail group spars consisting of are also available. All parts supplied are powder coated.

Except for a sliding bubble canopy no other major changes have been made to Long's original design though Bushby responded to the demand for a two seater and the Mustang II (also known as the Bushby Mustang) was offered as an option. Individual builders have opted to fit larger engines though the Midget cruises comfortably at 175mph with a top speed of just over 200 mph when powered by the 100hp Continental. Fuel burn at cruise is an economic six US gallon per hour. Other modifications by builders include additional fuel tanks and with the advent of glass screens full IFR panels are fitted.

As a true high performance aerobatic sport plane with a flight load of 6g the Midget has few equals as speedy cross-country traveller. More than 400 Midget Mustangs have been built around the world and Long's 1948 design has acquired the reputation as being one of the best sport planes ever and had stood the test of time and now, sixty five years wherever it is parked or visiting the Midget will always drew a crowd of admirers. Over the years there have been four Midget Grand Champion's at Oshkosh, no mean feat as the title is hotly contested. Midget owners and pilots are understandably biased and so it's no surprise that without exception they would not trade their pride and joy for any other aircraft, all praising it's good looks, fighter like performance and excellent handling that today still makes it just a desirable an aircraft as it was just after WWII.

Midget Mustang Specifications (All figures at gross weight):

Performance with Continental & Lycoming engines

O-200 O-320
100 H.P. 160 H.P.
TOP SPEED (SEA LEVEL)
202 mph 230 mph
CRUISE SPEED (true airspeed, 75% power @ 8000 ft.)
175 mph 215 mph
NEVER EXCEED SPEED (indicated airspeed)
230 mph 230 mph
RANGE @ 75% POWER (standard 15 gal.)

435 miles 400 miles
RATE OF CLIMB
1500 fpm 2500 fpm
SERVICE CEILING
17,000 ft 20,000 ft
STALL SPEED (clean)
60 mph 62 mph
STALL SPEED (full flap)
57 mph 57 mph
TAKE OFF DISTANCE
570 ft 470 ft
LANDING DISTANCE
680 ft 680 ft
ROLL RATE
2000/sec 2000/sec
Performance numbers will vary depending on workmanship, propeller, and fairing installations.

Classic Aircraft

THE MIDGET MUSTANG-HOMEBUILT POCKET ROCKET

By WILLIE BODENSTEIN