Mooney Mite

The Mooney M-18-C Mite, first flown on May 17, 1947, was a groundbreaking single-seat, low-wing monoplane designed for private pilots and businessmen. Its significance in aviation history lies in its innovative features, such as retractable tricycle landing gear, wing flaps, and the "Safe-Trim" automatic trim system, which were uncommon in its class at the time.

The Mite also pioneered Mooney's trademark forward-swept vertical fins, which remain a distinctive feature of Mooney aircraft to this day. Despite initial engine problems and the challenging post-war aviation market, the Mite's performance and maneuverability were appreciated by pilots. A total of 295 M-18 Mooney Mites were produced, and the aircraft's design influenced the development of future Mooney models, cementing its place in the company's history and the evolution of personal aircraft.