1500R Sport
1500R Sport
The open cockpit Mini-Max
with Sporty good looks!
Based on the rugged 1100R airframe, the 1500R adds a curved turtledeck, streamlined cowl and spinner for pilots that want a plane that looks as good as it flies. And the powerful 2-cylinder 40 HP engine gives it outstanding performance: a 100' takeoff roll and 1,000 fpm climb!
It's hard to describe how much fun it is to fly an open cockpit aircraft, buzzing the local airstrip, waving to your friends and dancing with the clouds. And you'll have the pride of knowing you built it yourself!
Are you on an extremely tight budget? As with all our aircraft, you can start with a sub-kit and build as your budget allows. Or start with our basic 1100R kit and later upgrade to the 1500R Sport by adding a few aesthetic improvements. You'll have a plane that is a joy to fly and will turn heads wherever you land.
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Experimental Amateur-Built category
Mid wing
Open cockpit
Truss landing gear standard
Easily removable wings
6 gallon wing tank (optional 2nd wing tank)
Designed for 40HP 2-cylinder engines
Exposed cylinder heads or fully-cowled
Outstanding short field performance
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Build time 300-350 hours
Engine 40 HP
Fuel Capacity 6 Gallons (12 gallons with optional 2nd wing tank)
Flight controls 3-Axis
Wingspan 25'
Wing area 112.5 sq. ft.
Length 16'
Height 5'
Empty weight 269 lbs.
Gross weight 560 lbs.
Design load factors +4.4 -1.8 G -
Top Speed 75 mph
Cruise Speed 65 mph
Stall Speed 28-31 mph
Vne 100 mph
Climb Rate 1000 fpm
Take-off Roll < 100 ft
Landing Roll 210 ft
Get your official printed Mini-MAX USA 2025 airplane flight manual—professionally bound and easy to reference. Includes essential operating procedures, checklists, performance data, and safety information tailored to your Mini-MAX model. A must-have for every pilot and builder for safe, informed flying. Ideal for cockpit use and flight planning.
Take the next step in your build with our professionally printed, model-specific plan sets. Designed exclusively for Mini-Max aircraft, these detailed plan sets are tailored to the model you select from the dropdown menu above.
Each printed plan set includes:
Blueprint Drawings – Precision prints for accurate construction.
Assembly Instructions – Step-by-step guides to walk you through each phase of the build.
Material Lists – Comprehensive lists to ensure you have exactly what you need.
Hardware Specifications – Clearly outlined to match Mini-Max standards.
Model-Specific Notes & Updates – Includes any design revisions or builder tips relevant to your chosen model.
All sets are printed on high-quality, durable paper for shop use and long-term reference. Whether you're starting your first build or tackling a new model, these plan sets are an essential resource for a successful project.
Select your desired Mini-Max model from the dropdown to get started.
1500R Sport - Light Sport Agility Meets Classic Mini-Max Simplicity
The 1500R Sport is the next step up in the Mini-Max line—a single-seat, mid-wing homebuilt aircraft with increased power and agility for pilots who want a bit more performance without sacrificing simplicity. Built with the same reliable wood-and-fabric construction, the 1500R is a favorite for sport flying, light cross-country cruising, and hands-on builders who want to stretch their wings.
Modular Mini-Kits - Build at Your Own Pace
The 1500R kit is available in modular Mini-Kits, giving you the freedom to buy and build as time and budget allow. Each kit includes raw materials, fasteners, and essential structural components. Pre-Fabbed Parts will soon be available separately to accelerate the build process with factory-cut precision.
Why Builders Love the 1500R
✅ Light Sport Performance - More power and cruise speed than ultralight models
✅ Classic Construction - Wood-and-fabric design that's proven and approachable
✅ Flexible Kit Format - Build by section or bundle all at once
✅ Tried-and-True Design - Rooted in the Mini-Max family with thousands flying
✅ Ideal for Personal Sport Flying - A joy to build and even better to fly
What’s Included - Mini-Kit Breakdown
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and wood to build all wing ribs
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and materials for full wing construction
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Main gear legs, tailwheel, brackets, and mounting hardware
Empennage Kit - Rudder, stabilizer, elevator, and fin parts
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control cables, pulleys, brackets, and critical fasteners
Additional Required Components
Fabric Covering Kit - Aircraft-grade fabric and covering supplies
Epoxy Kit - Bonding resins for structural strength and durability
Plans Package - Full-size blueprints and comprehensive builder’s guide
Optional Add-On
Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon for faster and more accurate assembly
Aircraft Specifications
Configuration: Mid-wing, single-seat, open cockpit
Empty Weight: ~300–330 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Wingspan: ~26 ft
Cruise Speed: ~60–65 mph
Stall Speed: ~28 mph
Recommended Engine: 40–50 hp (Rotax, Hirth, HKS, or equivalent)
Build Time: ~300–350 hours
Certification: Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB)
Kit Pricing Philosophy
Our pricing is designed to offer the best value for serious builders.
Each Mini-Kit is calculated based on the ideal retail cost of parts assuming zero material waste.
We apply a built-in 10% discount—and you save even more by avoiding excess or unusable materials.
1500R Sport - Light, Sporty, and Built to Fly
The 1500R Sport is a nimble, mid-wing aircraft for pilots who crave responsive flight with a bit more power and performance than traditional ultralights. Designed for light sport enthusiasts, the 1500R offers a sturdier airframe, room for larger engines, and the classic build-it-yourself charm that Mini-Max is known for.
Whether you’re upgrading from an ultralight or just want a more capable single-seater, the 1500R delivers spirited flying in a compact, efficient package.
Full Aircraft Kit - Performance in a Box
The 1500R Sport kit contains all the materials, hardware, and documentation you need to bring your aircraft to life. Designed for straightforward construction and aerodynamic efficiency, this kit keeps your build moving and your vision focused.
Why Builders Love the 1500R
✅ Sporty Handling - Lively performance for the fun-loving pilot
✅ Larger Engine Options - Designed for 40+ hp two-strokes
✅ Classic Mini-Max Construction - Wood, fabric, and proven methods
✅ Complete Kit Convenience - No guesswork or extra sourcing
✅ Efficient Design - Quick build, rewarding flight
What’s Included - Complete Kit Contents
Wing Rib Materials - Template-based construction with all wood stock
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and fittings
Fuselage Kit - Pre-cut structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Tailwheel, gear legs, brackets, and mounting parts
Empennage Kit - Components for stabilizer, rudder, elevator, and fin
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control pulleys, cables, brackets, fasteners
Covering Supplies - Full fabric and application tools
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade resins
Plans Package - Full-size drawings and detailed builder guide
Optional:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Optional time-savers for selected subassemblies (available soon)
👤 Who It’s For
The 1500R Sport is perfect for builders who want ultralight simplicity with sport performance. It’s a great choice for experienced ultralight pilots seeking more speed and stability, or newcomers aiming for a capable single-seat sport aircraft with low build time and cost.
💵 How We Price the Full Kit
We believe in giving builders the best value from day one:
Every full kit reflects the ideal retail value of its components
We’ve already applied a 20% discount in the listed price
You benefit from efficient packaging, no waste, and clear savings