General Aviation

Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20k

Manufacturer: MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP.

The Mooney M20K is the turbocharged, six-cylinder branch of the four-seat M20 family. The designation covers the M20K 231, the improved 252TSE, and the later Encore, which have important engine and equipment differences.

Aircraft Facts

Type Key
mooney-aircraft-corp-m20k
Class
General Aviation
Registry Count
770
Example Registration
N1005U

Specifications

Production Start
1979

Aircraft Overview

History

Mooney introduced the M20K 231 in 1979 as its first turbocharged production M20. The 252TSE replaced it in 1986, and the M20K Encore returned in 1997 with a higher gross weight and 220 hp engine.

Design

The original 231 used a 210 hp Continental TSIO-360, a wider wingspan than the M20J, revised wingtips, and increased fuel capacity. The 252 retained 210 hp but added an intercooled engine installation and 28-volt electrical system.

Variants

The M20K bucket includes the 231, 231SE, 252TSE, and Encore. Because those variants differ in engines, weight, speed, and systems, the modern M20 family table is withheld rather than applied across the bucket.

Operations

M20Ks are high-performance personal and touring aircraft. The turbocharger supports higher-altitude cruise, while the 252's changes addressed engine-temperature and systems limitations found in the 231.

Notable Facts

  • The M20K 231 was introduced in 1979.
  • It was Mooney's first turbocharged production M20.
  • The M20K was the first production M20 variant with a six-cylinder engine.
  • The M20K 252TSE replaced the 231 in 1986.
  • The M20K Encore was introduced in 1997.

Variants

  • M20K- 770 registrations - Example N1005U

Machine-Readable Resources

Sources