Open-cockpit flying, Mini-Max simple
The Mini-Max Speedster family is built for pilots who want the simple, hands-on Mini-Max build experience with a sportier, open-cockpit flying feel. Compare the 1500R, 1550V, 1200S, and 1250SS to choose the engine path, performance range, and cockpit width that fits your goals.
What these models are
The Mini-Max Speedster models are the open-cockpit sport branch of the Mini-Max family. They keep the practical wood-and-fabric build approach while adding a livelier flying feel, more engine variety, and a stronger recreational sport-aircraft personality.
This family includes two-stroke, VW, and V-Twin style paths, giving builders several ways to balance cost, performance, simplicity, and the kind of flying experience they want.
1500R Mini-Max Sport
A light, open-cockpit Mini-Max Sport model with two-stroke engine options and classic Mini-Max simplicity.
1550V V-Max Speedster
A V-Max Speedster path with VW-style power and a higher 700 LBS max gross weight in the workbook data.
1200S Speedster Sport
A V-Twin Speedster Sport option with 70 MPH cruise speed and a 560 LBS max gross weight.
1250SS Speedster Super Sport
The Super Sport Speedster option with 26" cockpit width, 80 MPH cruise speed, and V-Twin 48–53HP engine reference.
Key Speedster features
The Speedster family is about simple construction, open-cockpit fun, and a sportier Mini-Max flying feel.
Open-cockpit feel
A more direct recreational flying experience with the wind, sound, and view right there with you.
Sportier speed range
Top speeds from 75 MPH to 90 MPH across the Speedster family.
Engine variety
Compare two-stroke, VW, and V-Twin style engine paths depending on the Speedster model.
Compact Mini-Max footprint
All four Speedster models stay compact, with workbook lengths listed at 16 FT.
Kit path flexibility
Choose plans, mini-kits, base kits, prefab quick-build kits, builder assist, or ready-to-fly estimates.
Sport and Super Sport options
The 1200S and 1250SS give builders V-Twin powered Speedster options with different performance and cockpit-width targets.
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max Aircraft Data 2026 workbook.
Compare the Mini-Max Speedster models
Compare the 1500R, 1550V, 1200S, and 1250SS side by side using verified 2026 workbook data.
| Stat | 1500R Mini-Max 2-Stroke Sport | 1550V V-Max Speedster | 1200S V-Twin Speedster Sport | 1250SS V-Twin Speedster Super Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplant | 2-Stroke 40HP | 4-Stroke VW | 4-Stroke V-Twin 40HP | 4-Stroke V-Twin 50HP |
| Wingspan | 25 FT | 26' 6" | 25 FT | 26' 6" |
| Wing Area | 112.5 SQ. FT. | 118 SQ. FT. | 112.5 SQ. FT. | 118 SQ. FT. |
| Height | 60" | 60" | 60" | 66" |
| Length | 16' | 16' | 16' | 16' |
| Cockpit Width | 24" | 24" | 24" | 26" |
| Empty Weight | 269 LBS | 400 LBS | 290 LBS | 360 LBS |
| Useful Load | 291 LBS | 300 LBS | 270 LBS | 340 LBS |
| Max Gross Weight | 560 LBS | 700 LBS | 560 LBS | 700 LBS |
| Fuel Capacity | 5G Standard up to 18G Optional | 6.5G Standard 13G Optional | 5G Standard up to 18G Optional | 13G Standard 18G Optional |
| Engine Options | Simonini Victor 1 Super Polini 303 Simonini Mini 3 | Scott Casler VW 65hp | V-Twin 40HP | V-Twin 48-53HP |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH | 85 MPH | 80 MPH | 90 MPH |
| Cruise Speed | 65 MPH | 75 MPH | 70 MPH | 80 MPH |
| Stall Speed Clean | 29 MPH | 39 MPH | 29 MPH | 29 MPH |
| Stall Speed With Flap Option | 25 MPH | 34 MPH | 25 MPH | 25 MPH |
| Climb Rate | 1000 FPM | 900 FPM | 1200 FPM | 1200 FPM |
| VNE | 100 MPH | 110 MPH | 100 MPH | 110 MPH |
| Takeoff Distance, Grass | 100 FT | 150 FT | 150 FT | 150 FT |
| Landing Roll, Grass | 210 FT | 250 FT | 180 FT | 180 FT |
| Base Kit Build Time | 300-350 Hours | 325-400 Hours | 300-350 Hours | 325-400 Hours |
| Prefab Kit Build Time | 200-250 Hours | 250-300 Hours | 200-250 Hours | 250-300 Hours |
| Plans Cost | $299.99 | $299.99 | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Base Kit Cost | $11,699.99 | $12,799.99 | $11,999.99 | $12,499.99 |
| Prefab Quick-Build Kit | $12,999.99 | $13,999.99 | $13,499.99 | $13,999.99 |
| Builder Assist Estimate | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 |
| Ready To Fly Estimate | $24,999.99 | $26,999.99 | $26,499.99 | $26,999.99 |
| Shop Kits | Shop 1500R Kits | Shop 1550V Kits | Shop 1200S Kits | Shop 1250SS Kits |
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max Aircraft Data 2026 workbook.
Speedster feature availability
Feature availability varies by model. Review the current product page before ordering.
| Feature | 1500R | 1550V | 1200S | 1250SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flaperons | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Pants | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wing Tips | Optional | STANDARD | Optional | STANDARD |
| Steel Gear | Optional | Optional | Optional | STANDARD |
| Band Brakes | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black-Max Brakes | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Airframe Parachute | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| AutoPilot | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Seaplane Floats | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max Aircraft Data 2026 workbook.
Choose your Speedster build path
Start with plans, build in stages with Mini-Kits, choose a full aircraft kit, or contact Mini-Max USA about prefab quick-build and support options.
Plans
Start with drawings, build information, and the lowest-cost first step into the Speedster family.
Mini-Kits
Break the aircraft project into manageable sections and move forward at your own pace.
Full aircraft kits
Choose the most complete airframe-focused kit path for your selected Speedster model.
Prefab support
Compare prefab quick-build kit pricing and builder assist estimates from the verified workbook data.
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max Aircraft Data 2026 workbook.
What comes in a full Speedster kit
A full Speedster kit is the most complete airframe-focused build path. It is designed for builders who want the major Speedster kit sections organized around one selected aircraft model instead of purchasing each section one at a time.
Wing rib kit
Materials and components for building the Speedster wing ribs.
Wing assembly kit
Spars, fittings, hardware, and key wing structure components.
Fuselage kit
Structural wood, adhesives, fasteners, and fuselage build materials.
Landing gear kit
Landing gear components, brackets, and related hardware for the selected model.
Empennage kit
Materials for the stabilizer, elevator, rudder, fin, and tail group.
Metal & hardware kit
Control-system parts, fittings, brackets, fasteners, and related hardware.
Plans package
Drawings and build documentation for the selected Speedster aircraft.
Model-specific kit path
A coordinated kit package built around the Speedster model you choose.
Engine, propeller, instruments, avionics, paint, tools, and final finishing items may be separate unless specifically listed on the current product page. Always review the current product listing before ordering.
Build your Speedster in stages with Mini-Kits
Mini-Kits let you build a Speedster one major section at a time. This is a practical path if you want to spread out cost, manage shop space, and move through the aircraft project in clear stages.
Plans set
Model-specific drawings, instructions, material lists, hardware details, and Speedster build information.
Wing rib kit
Materials to build the Speedster wing ribs.
Wing assembly kit
Spars, bracing, hardware, fittings, and main wing structure components.
Fuselage kit
Structural wood stock, adhesives, fasteners, and fuselage assembly materials.
Landing gear kit
Gear parts, brackets, and landing gear components for the selected model.
Empennage kit
Materials for the stabilizer, elevator, rudder, fin, and tail group.
Metal & hardware kit
Control cables, brackets, fittings, specialty metal parts, and essential hardware.
Select pre-fab options may be available to help reduce build time and improve consistency. Availability may vary by kit section and model.
Mini-Kits are section-based and may not include every item required to complete the aircraft. Review the current product listing and contact Mini-Max USA with any kit-content questions before ordering.
