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Maule M-4 Jetasen / Rocket / Astro-Rocket / Strata-Rocket
Servicios Aereas De America Sa Cuauhtemoc M-1

The first Maule production model, known as the Jetasen M-4 was delivered in April 1962, constructed in Moutrie, Georgia. Originally designed as a homebuilt in the USA in the late 1950’s, it was developed until it has become a commercially-built aeroplane.

The Maule is a four seat, high wing, tail wheel monoplane, designed to operate in and out of confined airstrips. The excellent short field perform-ance is obtained by the unusually high-lift capability flaps and the thick high-lift aerofoil of the wing. The welded steel-tube fuselage is covered with fiberglass, and the shortspan wing is all-metal with a thick, high-lift airfoil. The airplane accomplishes its short-field performance with two-position flaps of an unusually high-lift capability and without the elaborate spoilers, slots, and other items normally associated with STOL design.

The fuselage is fairly wide giv-ing a cabin dimension of 3 ft 6 ins which comfortably accommodates two adults in side-by-side seating. There is a door either side for the two front seats, as well as one on the starboard side for the rear seats. The baggage locker has its own door but this cannot be opened without the rear door being opened as well. The all-metal wings have down swept tips, strengthened centre-section so that floats can be fitted; other optional extras also fitted include a top and bottom strobe light and a glider tow hook. The tailplane is covered in a form of fibre-glassed linen that is virtually rot-proof. The fuel is contained in two, 18 Imp.G tanks in the inboard section of each wing.

First flying in 1960, the original M-4 was powered by a 145-hp O-300 Continental engine, and in 1965, the Rocket entered production with a 210-hp Continental powerplant and a constant-speed propeller. The Astro-Rocket was a deluxe version of the Jetasen, housing a 180-hp Franklin. In 1967, the Strata-Rocket was introduced into the line. Basically similar to the Rocket, it was powered by a 220-hp Franklin. All aircraft mentioned shared the same M-4 designation.

In the 1960s Servicios Aereas De America Sa serviced and repaired aircraft and engines, but undertook license-manufacture of a higher-powered Maule M-4, developed specially for Mexican conditions and called Cuauhtemoc M-1. In 1964 Servicios de America began production in Mexico City as the Cuauhtemoc M-1. Mexican materials were used and a 180 hp Lycoming engine. Delivery was taking 30 days and priced at US$12,600.