Monnett Moni Motorglider

Monnett Moni: The Motorglider with the Soul of a Jet Fighter

In the ultralight boom of the 1980s, when most designs were made of tubes and fabric, the Monnett Moni was a game-changer. Created by the legendary designer John Monnett (founder of Sonex), the Moni wasn’t a slow, lazy ultralight; it was a machine of pure aerodynamic performance. Its philosophy wasn’t just to fly, but to do so efficiently, quickly, and with the style of a miniature jet fighter. This is the aircraft for the pilot who wants the thrill of a high-performance glider with the independence of an engine.

Why Is It So Special?

• Aerodynamics Over Power: The Moni’s secret is aerodynamic purity. With an incredibly slim fuselage designed for minimal drag and long, high-efficiency wings typical of a sailplane, the Moni slips through the air with minimal effort, achieving exceptional performance on very little power.

• The Jet-Style V-Tail: Its most distinctive feature is its V-tail (or “butterfly tail”). This signature Monnett solution not only looks incredibly futuristic but also reduces drag by having two surfaces instead of a conventional tail’s three. It gives the Moni an aggressive and unmistakable “pocket fighter” appearance.

• All-Metal Construction: Unlike wood or fabric planes, the Moni is built like a “real” airplane: with riveted aluminum sheets. This gives it durability, weather resistance, and a smooth, professional finish that traditional materials can’t match.

• The True Motorglider Experience: The Moni isn’t just an airplane with a small engine; it’s a true motorglider. Its design allows you to climb quickly under power, shut down the engine at altitude, and enjoy the silence of soaring flight, hunting for thermals like a pure sailplane, but with the safety of being able to restart the engine at any time.

Performance and Key Numbers

The Moni’s figures demonstrate what can be achieved with brilliant aerodynamics and very little power.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.4 m)

• Length: 15 ft 8 in (4.79 m)

• Wing Area: 66 sq ft (6.1 m²)

• Empty Weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 550 lbs (249 kg)

• Powerplant: 1 × KFM 107ER engine, 22-30 hp

Performance:

• Glide Ratio: 20:1 (excellent)

• Maximum Speed (Vne): 140 mph (225 km/h)

• Cruise Speed: 110 mph (177 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 38 mph (61 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 500 ft/min (2.5 m/s)

• Range (under power): 350 miles (563 km)

In summary, the Monnett Moni is a high-performance sport plane disguised as an ultralight. It’s the perfect choice for the builder who appreciates the precision of metalworking and desires the best of both worlds: the thrill of powered flight and the silent elegance of soaring.