Monocoupe 90A: The Vintage Sports Car of the Sky

Have you ever imagined zipping through the air in a flying classic car? Meet the Monocoupe 90A—a sporty, aerodynamic, and stylish aircraft that essentially served as the 1930s answer to today’s sporty convertibles, minus traffic jams but with added altitude!

Quick (and Fun!) History Lesson

Born in the golden aviation age of the late 1920s, the Monocoupe family kicked off with aviator Donald Luscombe, aiming to create the ultimate affordable and enjoyable flying experience. By 1930, the refined Model 90A emerged, boasting a lively 90 horsepower Lambert R-266 radial engine—think fitting a muscle-car heart into a small, sleek airframe.

Monocoupe 90A—Technical Specs (For Aviation Geeks & Nerds Alike)

Let’s dive into some juicy technical specs:

• Engine: Lambert R-266, 90 horsepower radial, 5-cylinder, air-cooled
• Wingspan: 32 feet (9.75 meters)
• Length: 20 ft 5¾ inches (6.24 meters)
• Height: 6 ft 10 inches (2.08 meters)
• Wing Area: 134.5 square feet (12.5 square meters)
• Empty Weight: Approx. 967 lbs (439 kg)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 1,610 lbs (730 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 28 gallons (106 liters)
• Maximum Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)
• Cruise Speed: 110 mph (177 km/h)
• Stall Speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
• Range: Approximately 600 miles (970 kilometers)
• Service Ceiling: 16,000 feet (4,880 meters)
• Rate of Climb: 850 feet per minute (4.3 meters per second)

A Brief but Not-Boring History

During the aviation boom, Donald Luscombe’s Monocoupe was a hit, partly due to its revolutionary enclosed cabin, shielding pilots from the wind-whipped journeys common in open-cockpit planes. The cockpit featured comfortable side-by-side seating, dual controls, and basic flight instruments—everything you’d need for stylish and comfy travels or friendly arguments about directions.

What Sets the Monocoupe 90A Apart?

The Monocoupe 90A wasn’t just another pretty airplane—it was sporty, agile, and impressively fast for its time. Pilots appreciated its responsive handling, spirited climb, and delightful cruising speed. Flying one was like driving a vintage roadster down open roads—only your highway was endless sky.

Monocoupe Family Lineup (It’s a Fun Family!)

Monocoupe didn’t stop at just the 90A. They built some fun, exciting, and sometimes extreme variations:

• Monocoupe Model 110: Similar frame, but boosted with a 110-horsepower Warner radial. Think muscle car meets classic air racer.
• Monocoupe Model 110 Special (Clipwing): Shorter wings for higher speed and snappier aerobatics—perfect for pilots craving thrills and occasional bragging rights.
• Monocoupe 90 Deluxe: Featured wing flaps and aerodynamic fairings for improved handling at lower speeds.

Famous Flyers & Fast Times

The Monocoupe 90A and its siblings were favorites among early aviation stars. Charles Lindbergh himself cruised around in a custom Monocoupe, proving that great aviators prefer classy rides. Air racers also loved Monocoupes, dominating competitions thanks to their excellent speed, climb performance, and responsiveness.

Legacy and Flying Fun Today

Even decades later, the Monocoupe 90A remains cherished by vintage aviation collectors and pilots. Restored Monocoupes grace modern airshows, showing off their classic beauty and sporty agility. Pilots still praise their nimble handling, spirited climb, and classic radial-engine charm—because flying should always be this fun.

So next time you’re stuck in traffic dreaming about open skies, remember the Monocoupe 90A—the timeless flying classic that made flying feel less like travel and more like adventure.

Happy skies, and keep your goggles handy!