Maule M-9

Single Piston

The Maule M-9 Lunar Rocket is a rugged, high-performance STOL taildragger built by Maule Air in Moultrie, Georgia, designed for backcountry operations where short, unprepared strips are the norm. Introduced in the late 1990s as an evolution of Maule's long line of bush aircraft, the M-9 pairs a 260-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine with a lightweight airframe and oversized tires, delivering exceptional climb rates and the ability to operate from grass, gravel, or dirt strips as short as 300 feet. Its conventional gear configuration and robust steel-tube fuselage make it a favorite among pilots who need to reach remote hunting camps, mountain airstrips, or wilderness lodges where pavement is a luxury. The M-9's name reflects its outsized power-to-weight ratio — "Lunar Rocket" isn't just marketing hyperbole when you're climbing at 1,500 feet per minute out of a high-altitude clearing. With a cruise speed around 140 knots and a range exceeding 700 nautical miles on full tanks, it balances backcountry capability with respectable cross-country performance, though its tailwheel handling and lack of modern avionics in many examples demand proficiency and respect. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.