1550V V-MAX
1550V V-MAX
4-Stroke Performance
on a Mini-Max Budget!
Some pilots prefer a 4-cycle engine, but a new or rebuilt 4-cycle certified aircraft engine is extremely expensive. Fortunately there are very good engine choices based on the reliable Volkswagen flat-4 air cooled engine. The V-Max is a perfect match for this engine. It has a much more robust airframe, especially around the engine mount, to handle the weight and power of the VW engine. And with it's curved turtledeck, engine cowling, spinner, molded wingtips and optional wheel pants, the V-Max will look as good as it flies!
Why 4-Cycle? Although they're heavier than an equivalent 2-cycle engines, some think 4-cycle engines are less "finicky" and more reliable*. A 4-cycle engine is very fuel efficient; at cruise the V-Max burns only 2-3 gallons per hour. That's inexpensive flying! And finally, an intangable benefit is the sound. Many pilots just like the throaty growl of a 4-cycle engine. Click on the video link below to see (and hear) the V-Max.
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Experimental Amateur-Built category
Mid wing
Open cockpit
Truss landing gear standard (Optional spring steel Landing Gear)
Easily removable wings
6 gallon wing tank (optional 2nd wing tank)
Outstanding short field performance
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Build time 325-400 hours
Engine VW 4-Stroke, 50 HP
Fuel Capacity 6 Gallons (12 gallons with optional 2nd wing tank)
Flight controls 3-Axis
Wingspan 26’-6”
Wing area 118 sq. ft.
Length 16'
Height 5'
Empty weight 400 lbs.
Gross weight 700 lbs.
Design load factors +4.0 -2.0 G -
Top Speed 80 mph
Cruise Speed 75 mph
Stall Speed 38-41 mph
Vne 110 mph
Climb Rate 900 fpm
Take-off Roll < 150 ft
Landing Roll 250 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.
1550V V-Max - Built for VW Power and Big-Sky Cruisin’
The 1550V V-Max is a rugged evolution of the Mini-Max line, purpose-built to pair with 4-stroke VW engines. With slightly longer wings and a reinforced tail group, the V-Max delivers smooth handling, solid performance, and a more confident experience for backfield flyers and long-range cruisers alike.
It’s still light, still simple, and still full of that classic Mini-Max charm—but with upgrades designed for pilots who want more power, longer legs, and the purr of four-stroke reliability.
Modular Mini-Kits - Reinforced, Flexible, Builder-Friendly
The 1550V is available in modular Mini-Kits, so you can build your aircraft one section at a time. Each kit contains the raw materials, hardware, and structural components needed for that part of the aircraft. It’s a practical way to build on your own schedule—whether you’re pacing your time, your shop space, or your budget.
Pre-Fabbed Parts will also be available separately for select kits, helping you save time and gain precision.
Why Builders Love the 1550V
✅ VW-Compatible - Designed for 4-stroke VW engine installations
✅ Extended Wingspan - Slightly longer wings improve climb and glide
✅ Stronger Tail Kit - Reinforced empennage for added control authority
✅ Modular Build System - Buy and build each section on your timeline
✅ Classic Mini-Max Roots - Evolved from a time-tested homebuilt design
What’s Included - Mini-Kit Breakdown
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and materials to build all wing ribs for the extended wing configuration
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, bracing, hardware, and key wing structure components
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood stock, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Gear legs, VW-compatible brackets, and tailwheel hardware
Empennage Kit - Strengthened stabilizer, elevator, rudder, and fin materials
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control cables, pulleys, brackets, and essential hardware
Additional Components Required for Completion
Fabric Covering Kit - Full airframe fabric and finishing supplies
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade bonding resins
Plans Package - Full-size drawings and a step-by-step builder’s manual
Optional Add-On:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon for faster, more precise assembly
👤 Who It’s For
The 1550V is for builders who want more than ultralight—pilots who love wood-and-fabric construction but want 4-stroke power, VW reliability, and extra wing for smoother landings and longer flights. It’s ideal for those seeking sportier performance without sacrificing the hands-on joy of scratch building.
💵 How We Price Our Kits
We price every Mini-Kit based on the ideal retail value of its components, assuming zero waste and maximum material efficiency.
We then apply a 10% discount—and because you avoid surplus or overbuying, you save even more in real-world costs.
1550V V-Max - Built for VW Power and Big-Sky Cruising
The 1550V V-Max is a robust evolution of the Mini-Max line, purpose-built to pair with 4-stroke VW engines. With slightly longer wings and a reinforced tail kit, the V-Max offers enhanced stability, improved climb, and added peace of mind for long, open-air flights.
It’s still light, still simple, and still full of that classic Mini-Max charm—but with upgrades that make it perfect for VW fans and sport-minded pilots alike.
Full Aircraft Kit - Reinforced, Complete, Ready to Build
This full kit includes every core material and component needed to construct your 1550V, from VW-compatible mounts to the longer wingspan and strengthened tail group. It’s the complete solution for builders who want more than ultralight—and love the idea of reliable 4-stroke performance.
Why Builders Love the 1550V
✅ VW-Compatible - Designed for 4-stroke VW engine installations
✅ Extended Wingspan - Slightly longer wings improve climb and glide
✅ Stronger Tail Kit - Reinforced empennage for sportier performance
✅ Complete Kit Convenience - All materials bundled in one delivery
✅ Classic Mini-Max Roots - Refined from a proven airframe lineage
What’s Included - Complete Kit Contents
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and wood stock for extended wing configuration
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and fittings
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - VW-compatible mounts, gear legs, brackets
Empennage Kit - Strengthened stabilizer, elevator, rudder, and fin
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control systems, brackets, pulleys, fasteners
Fabric Covering Kit - Complete covering system for the airframe
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade bonding resins
Plans Package - Full-size drawings and comprehensive build guide
Optional:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Select parts available soon to simplify assembly
👤 Who It’s For
The 1550V is ideal for builders seeking a more capable, 4-stroke-powered aircraft with traditional wood-and-fabric construction. Whether you’re cruising the countryside or logging hours on a VW engine, the V-Max offers a step up in performance with the same homebuilt spirit.
💵 How We Price the Full Kit
Our pricing reflects our commitment to value:
All components priced based on ideal retail value
The listed price already includes a 20% discount
No wasted materials = real-world cost savings for builders