SonexBuilders.net

Just in case anyone hasn't seen this yet, Jeremy at Sonex is going to be conducting a webinar with the EAA tomorrow. Sounds like it will be worthwhile and interesting.

Weight, Balance, Engines, and Reality Check
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/592621370

Good presentation from Jeremy this evening. It was nice listening to different options and I'm glad to see there was no "trash talk" about other engines.

Ill be interested in hearing more about the Aerovee turbo project if more testing continues. I am also interested in the top mounted oil cooler on Sonex engines and cowlings. I thought it wouldn't fit but Jeremy said it does. I'd love to do that swap to get rid of those oil lines that contact my cowling.

What did everyone else think?

Excellent webinar. I am impressed with any company that honestly and openly discusses competitors products and alternative installations. They even showed Viking.

I want a turbo!

Robbie
Sonex 1517

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

This is a subject that has generated a lot of discussion in the community, I think it was good that Jeremy took it on.

I was expecting a bit more discussion regarding how Sonex established the 1100/1150 lb MTOW. Specifically, what is the >structural< limit of the aircraft in the "utility" category (back-of-the-envelop math: something over 1200 lbs, if we use the Sonex-supplied acro loadings as the "max" at 950 lbs and assume the wings weigh 70 lbs each).

Then, we could have discussed in a little more detail the reason for the 1150 lb weight for the 120 HP Jab3300. What specific climb performance did Sonex find acceptable? If we assume a particular CG location, that would allow a simple HP vs weight chart (up to the max structural weight)

I was surprised that they entertained questions so far afield from the subject of the webinar, this wasn't a good use of time. I was glad the BMW R1200 engine was at least mentioned as an alternative engine.

And, yes,I was happy that Jeremy was evenhanded when discussing companies and products that compete with Sonex. He gave his opinion and others surely didn't agree with all of it, but I didn't catch any gratuitous sniping.

Overall: I enjoyed the webinar and thought it was time well spent.

Edited to add: Like Robbie--interested in the Turbo!

Mark

I was disappointed that the turbo was coming in so heavy. The sonex is so small and with a max gross of 1150 lbs, it really limits our options. The Dmotor sure looks promising.

For those interested in seeing a recording of the webinar, it is here: http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=2494546731001
Mark

Yes, the turbo weight was a bit of a shock. I think they also suggested that it was going to push the cost into the $15k range? That's definitely not where I thought it was going...

Waiting for the real answer, got a ways to go on the airframe...

Gordon

GordonTurner wrote:Yes, the turbo weight was a bit of a shock. I think they also suggested that it was going to push the cost into the $15k range?
Gordon

I guess the weight isn't all the surprising, since you're adding a turbo, piping (a new exhuast), a new oil pump, etc. so 25 lbs isn't all the shocking. To be honest I wouldn't mind that since I will never got out of the forward C.G. on my airplane, but have to be careful with the aft C.G. with two on board and a light fuel load.

I don't remember them saying anything about a price but with the engine itself at around $7,000 i sure hope the turbo isn't another $8,000!! I could see it running $1500-2000 for the whole package, which could keep the entire engine at or under $10,000. I can't speak for Sonex but I would imagine that's something of the goal. i don't think turbo's are all that much to purchase...

Hopefully they keep making good progress on the system. I can see a lot of people very interested in a 100 h.p. engine option, especially for those living in a higher elevation.

Just my two cents...

The biggest benefit for the turbo for us mountain flyers is we will get 100hp just like you flatlanders. At 6800ft, my Jab3300 probably only gives me 80hp, which is enough, but I don't think I'd want to fly behind an AeroVee here without the turbo.
I do remember back in 2011 when I attended the builders clinic, it was speculated by Sonex that the turbo would add between 2-3k to the price. Of course things change.