The Mooney M20R has its roots in the M20 of 1955. However, the design has undergone a multitude of changes since then. The M20 line includes the Mooney 201 and the current production Bravo and Eagle 2. The Ovation takes the Mooney 201 (M20J) and replaces its 200 hp Lycoming with a 280 hp Continental. The Ovation 3 Ups that to 310 hp Continental engine.
Seating for four is snug, although the Ovation does have the longer fuselage of the M20M TLS. Load carrying is adequate in the Ovation.
With more horsepower but no turbocharging, performance is better at low altitude in takeoff, climb and cruise. The trade-off is in poorer high-altitude performance and reduced maximum ceilings. Turbocharged engines also generally cost more to overhaul and have lower time between overhauls. Mooney decided that the advantages of more horsepower with a normally aspirated engine outweigh the advantages of turbocharging a lower powered engine. If turbocharging is required, Mooney offers the M20TN Acclaim.
The Ovation 3 comes equipped with the all-glass, flat-panel Garmin 1000 avionics suite & the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot.