CAP 20
Apex Aircraft · France · first flew 1969 · light aircraft
The CAP 20 is a French single-seat aerobatic monoplane developed by Mudry (marketed as Apex Aircraft) in the late 1960s, designed for competition aerobatics. It established the design lineage that led to the internationally successful CAP 21 and CAP 231 series.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat French aerobatic monoplane of the 1970s
- Low-wing design with side-by-side canopy and clean cowling
- Forerunner of the CAP 21 and CAP 231 aerobatic lineage
Low-wing monoplane with a very clean fuselage, large bubble canopy, short nose with piston engine, and symmetrical airfoil wings suited to inverted flight.
Specifications
- The CAP 20 has a length of 6.8 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.08 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Auguste Mudry designed the CAP 20 as a purpose-built aerobatic aircraft capable of competing at the highest international levels. First flying in 1969, it drew on experience from the earlier CAP 10 two-seat trainer. The CAP 20 participated in World Aerobatic Championships and proved the viability of the Mudry design philosophy.
Variants
The CAP 20L was a lightened variant; the CAP 20LS introduced a more powerful engine. These led directly to the CAP 21 with revised aerodynamics.
Where you'll see it
Used primarily in France by aerobatic competition pilots; a small number were operated in other European countries for competition flying.
Related aircraft
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