Mignet HM.360
Henri Mignet · France · first flew 1957 · light aircraft
The Mignet HM.360 is a refined enclosed-cockpit single-seat development of Henri Mignet's famous Flying Flea tandem-wing formula, designed from 1957 for homebuilders seeking improved safety and comfort over earlier open-cockpit Pou designs.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 4.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Classic Mignet tandem-wing layout with pivoting forward wing for pitch control
- Enclosed cockpit with curved windshield distinguishing it from earlier open Pou designs
- Single-seat; forward wing noticeably larger than the fixed rear wing
The pivoting forward tandem wing instantly identifies any Mignet Pou family aircraft. The HM.360 is distinguished from the famous HM.14 by its fully enclosed cockpit. It sits very low to the ground on a simple fixed undercarriage.
Specifications
- The Mignet HM.360 has a length of 4.3 m (14 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 145 km/h (90 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Henri Mignet had refined his flying-flea concept through numerous iterations since the HM.14 of 1933. The HM.360 represented his mature take on the tandem-wing configuration, incorporating lessons from decades of accidents and modifications to solve the fatal pitch-instability issues of early Pous. Plans were made available and the type attracted a small but dedicated following among European homebuilders.
Variants
The HM.380 is the two-seat side-by-side derivative; both share the same pivoting-forward-wing control philosophy. Plans were distributed through Falconar Avia.
Where you'll see it
Built in small numbers by amateur constructors across France and other countries from the late 1950s onward; several examples survive in airworthy condition and in museums.
Related aircraft
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