Sonex Climb Speed

[Dan Benson]

What is the typical indicated climb speed experienced on 80hp Sonex taildraggers? Pilot only, 1000lb gross. Thanks D

[mike.smith]

That's a bit open ended of a question. What time of year? Density altitude? At 900 lbs (going out to do aerobatics) in the cold northeast winters, I can sometimes see 900-1000 fpm. In the summer at gross weight I'm sometimes lucky if I see 300 fpm. Those are the extremes, so all the situations in between will give you numbers between those. A VW is not a "performance" engine. It's lots of bang for the buck, but you have to understand and buy into what you're getting (or not) for performance.

[avee8r]

Hi Dan

During phase I testing, my AeroVee powered Sonex's best Rate of Climb SPEED turned out to be 70 mph, the best Angle of Climb SPEED, 65 mph. These will produce similar numbers of Rate of Climb dependent on conditions as previously mentioned.

Once I get above 500' or so and want to put miles behind me, I increase the speed to 90 mph or so, which gives better visibility over the nose, better cooling, and like I said, starts to cover some ground.

Happy Landings
John
N50NX

[bnvoss]

I have a Sonex Tri-gear with Jabiru 2200 (80 hp) and my numbers for climb SPEED came out Vx=70 mph and Vy=80 mph in solo at 950 lbs. At full gross of 1100 lbs, I calculated my Vx=77 and Vy=90. I seldom fly with a passenger so I climb out at 80 all the way up to cruise (3000 to 6000 DA) unless it's very hot (above 90 F), then I climb at 100 mph.

Bob Sonex 550