About the EVANS MIDGET MUSTANG II
The Midget Mustang, initially developed by Piper employee David Long in the late 1940s, represents a significant leap in homebuilt aircraft design. Officially known as the Mustang Aeronautics Midget Mustang, the aircraft made its first flight in 1948. David Long's vision for the Midget Mustang was fueled by a desire to create a high-performance, two-seat recreational aircraft that was affordable and relatively easy to build by amateur aircraft builders. This vision resonated with the post-World War II zeitgeist, where surplus military pilots and aviation enthusiasts were looking for ways to continue flying in the peacetime era, but on tighter budgets. The Midget Mustang quickly captured their imaginations due to its combination of sporty aesthetics, agile performance, and economic feasibility. Its all-metal construction, another significant feature for the time, afforded durability and a sleek finish, while still being within the skill set of homebuilders with basic sheet metal working skills. The aircraft’s low-wing, fixed conventional landing gear, and compact design resulted in an impressive power-to-weight ratio, making it particularly notable in air racing circles. Over the years, the Midget Mustang has seen various iterations and continuous improvements, leading to modern versions such as the Mustang II, which offers side-by-side seating as opposed to the single-seat layout of the original. Production and support for these aircraft was taken over by Mustang Aeronautics, which continues to provide kits and plans for homebuilders around the world. The Mustang Aeronautics Midget Mustang remains a popular choice in the Experimental/Homebuilt category due to its blend of affordability, performance, and historical pedigree. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the innovative spirit of post-World War II aviation and the continued enthusiasm of the aviation community for building and flying their own high-performance aircraft.