SonexBuilders.net

I recently inspected a Sonex under construction about 95% completed. Builder has done an excellent job. During my inspection, I became focused on the canopy design. The more I looked, the more I became skeptical about the frame design, rigidity, and fit and finish. When I finished my review, my conclusion was the whole canopy design of the Sonex is feable at best, especially the frame where the aft canopy section mates with the forward section. The Sonex frame, a bent piece of tubing, how crude.
Are any other builders out there that have improved the canopy design and are flying a Sonex with this improved design. My thoughts would be to build one piece hinged canopy design with a carbon fiber frame similar to European Glider designs. These canopy designs have the canopy supported in a carbon fiber frame around the complete profile and this canopy and frame sets into a frame attached to the aircraft. Yes, it would weigh a few more lbs than the current design, but would be far more durable.
What do the current builders and owners of Sonex aircraft feel about the Sonex Canopy design?

Hi

Since you didn't introduce yourself, and I see you are a new member, I am curious why you posted this....?

Are you a technical counselor? Did you design a better canopy?


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

I have built two Sonex, a XENOS and OneX. I don't find the canopy design to be feable (sic) and have had no problems after 4 years and over 200 hours of flight.

However, if you do your research you'll find a few alternative canopy designs, mostly those that slide back instead of opening to the side.

-- Michael

XENOS; N42XE; 180 hours - FOR SALE
OneX; N169XE; 30 hours & counting

Bob,
I don't think it is a terribly uncommon design. My Hummelbird is similar. Anything can be improved upon, of course at a cost of time and money. I have a bunch of time in the ASK-21. It has an awesome canopy. Not sure I need that for my Waiex though! When my old club broke one it was megabucks to replace. Personally I am happy with the stock design.

Because I sounded stupid on my last post, I want to re state my response. I should have had more coffee or just shut up.

Others have pointed out there are alternatives. The Sonex canopy keeps with the design and philosophy of the airplanes. Simple and light.

Could it be improved on? This is subjective, but it is experimental aviation and the builder or owner can certainly pursue other options. There are trade offs though, specifically weight and complexity. This is not an airplane meant to be heavy nor complex. It is easy to do both, but the outcome may reduce the performance.

If you intend on designing something different just be certain it is safe.

My apologies for my earlier gruff response.

An introduction does go a long way in helping us understand your experience, and what interests you....


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
First flight 10/10/2015
N1517S

Sonex1517 wrote:Hi

Since you didn't introduce yourself, and I see you are a new member, I am curious why you posted this....?

Are you a technical counselor? Did you design a better canopy?


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

I am a longtime pilot 40 years plus, over 3000 hours, owned 4 powered aircraft, 2 gliders. Over the last 15 years, almost all of my time is in gliders, competition and cross county without a motor. I still enjoy powered aircraft and currently looking at small experimental. I like the Sonex for a simple design, good performance, popular with EAA builders. My comments about the canopy are from looking at a Sonex. It looks feeble and also flimsy. I posted these comments because those are questions about what do other pilots think that own the aircraft. I am not a technical counselor. It is required to be a technical counselor to make a comment about what I think of the design? Get real dude.

I deserved that.

Welcome to the forum.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

The Sonex canopy is all it needs to be. It can withstand 200+ mile per hour speeds and all the rain and G's on can put on it. Fit and finish is in the hands of the builder. Does it appear flimsy? Perhaps when it's open. I only care when I'm flying.

I don't look at it as crude but rather as light as possible, easy enough for the average builder to construct, and cheap enough to replace. It's brilliantly engineered for the what the Sonex aircraft mission is supposed to be.

If we all had carbon fiber frames made, we'd probably all regret not going for the Lancair.

I guess I will be the first to agree with the original post. I think the canopy frame is one of the weaker parts of the sonex airframe design. Yes, it does what it has to but in my opinion it is very flimsy, can't be opened up in a brisk wind without risking breaking the canopy, and is not in the least bit waterproof. I would love to see someone come out with a better design.

Keith
#554

Alternative designs are available at the expense of weight and money. Contact the American Sonex Association for plans.