DGRCN Tonatiuh MX-1

The Tonatiuh MX-1 was a lightweight, high-wing monoplane built by the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico in collaboration with the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (National Polytechnic Institute).

Tonatiuh MX-1
Role Utility aircraft
Trainer aircraft
Reconnaissance aircraft
National origin  Mexico
Manufacturer Dirección General de Reparaciones y Construcciones Navales
Designer César Trujillo Carrillo[1]
First flight June 1, 1980
Status Retired (2006)
Number built 8
Variants Bárcenas B-01

Design and development

The project began in 1977 when a group of engineers from the IPN reconstructed a Piper PA-18, after several discussions it was decided that it was better to design an own aircraft which was initially called Project CIAAC 7701. The design and calculation works were done under the name of TONATIUH Project in the offices of the General Directorate of Repairs and Naval Construction. Engineer César Trujillo was appointed by the Secretariat of the Navy to advice on the construction of the first prototype, beginning work in 1978 at the Aeronaval Station of the Mexico City International Airport.[2][3]

The Tonatiuh MX-1 bases its design almost entirely on the Bárcenas B-01 agricultural aircraft, since it shares components and design such as the wing profile, beams, ribs and tensioners with this aircraft. The wing section was designed for the needs of the Tonatiuh and many of the metal components were manufactured by the company CUPRUM, who also made components for the Bárcenas B-01.[2]

The first prototype was ready in April 1980 and once it was built, it was disarmed and sent to the Veracruz Air Base, where it was rebuilt and prepared for its first flight. During the first flight tests there were problems with the tail skate and the control surfaces of the rudder and the ailerons, so all these systems were redesigned, all in order to start their first flight on June 1, 1980 , on the day of the Navy. On his first flight, he made low-altitude maneuvers near the Malecón de Veracruz, in conjunction with the Tonatiuh, other Bonanza and Albatross aircraft performed acrobatics in the sea and near many ships.[2]

The development of the plane cost only 2 million pesos in the late 70's (about $80,700 at that time, about $290,000 today), which is said to have been a success because developing a light aircraft with similar characteristics in the United States would have cost 21 times more, in addition they had to create in Mexico the necessary tools for its construction. The Tonatiuh MX-1 was also 35% cheaper than its foreign competitor, the Piper PA-18.[2][4][5][6]

In 1982 the Navy of Mexico acquired six of the eight manufactured aircraft, which remained in service until 2006, using them as a training, observation and reconnaissance aircraft.[7][8]

Specifications

Data from TONATIUH MX-1 Airplane - Mexico[9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 23 ft 0 in (7 m)
  • Wingspan: 32 ft 10 in (10 m)
  • Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
  • Airfoil: Bárcenas Airfoil
  • Empty weight: 770 lb (349 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320 4-cyl. air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine, 160 hp (120 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 105 kn (121 mph, 195 km/h)
  • Endurance: 3.5 hours

References
  1. Aguilera de Lucio, María de la Luz (August 20, 2013). "Capacidades tecnológicas de la industria aeronáutica mexicana entre 1960 y 1980" [Technological capacities of the Mexican aeronautical industry between 1960 and 1980] (PDF). Instituto Politécnico Nacional. p. 109. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  2. "Artículo sobre El Tonatiuh MX-1" [Article about Tonatiuh MX-1]. RC Groups. January 28, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  3. "Mexican built Agricultural Aircraft". Aircraft manufacturing in Mexico. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  4. "Avión TONATIUH MX-1 - México" [TONATIUH MX-1 Airplane - Mexico]. Alacrán (HA-500). July 27, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  5. "IPN Tonatiuh MX-1" [IPN Tonatiuh MX-1]. AviationsMilitaires.net. September 17, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  6. Castillo Tenorio, Isabel; Ortiz Morales, Andrés (August 15, 2010). "Aportaciones del IPN a la aeronáutica en México" [Contributions of Instituto Politécnico Nacional to aeronautics in Mexico] (PDF). Ciencia y Desarrollo (in Spanish). 236 (245): 42. ISSN 0185-0008. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  7. "Avión TONATIUH MX-1 - México" [TONATIUH MX-1 Airplane - Mexico]. Alacrán (HA-500). July 27, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  8. "IPN Tonatiuh MX-1" [IPN Tonatiuh MX-1]. AviationsMilitaires.net. September 17, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  9. "Avión TONATIUH MX-1 - México" [TONATIUH MX-1 Airplane - Mexico]. Alacrán (HA-500). July 27, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
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