SonexBuilders.net

First picture of the Viking Sport with canopy now (from the Viking forum):


More info and pictures here:
http://vikingaircraftengines.ning.com/viking-sport

That's one long snout!
It will be very interesting hearing about the weight and performance. With that canopy, it can't be faster that a sonex.
I say it comes in empty over 800lbs.

The look is not doing it for me. I see in the other pics he added tube tanks in the leading edges.

Well, nobody is going to think it's a Waiex.

While I appreciate anyone who tries to make an airplane better, this sort of has me nervous. Is it just me or does that cowling look a lot longer than stock? How much farther forward is that engine as compared to a Jab 3300? Not only am I thinking weight and balance concerns, but is the new engine mount stressed to handle those additional forces?

They sure seem to be trying to change a lot of the airplane. All firewall forward, now a lot of the fuselage has been changed, different canopy, different fuel system, etc. This airplane is designed to be simple, light, and robust. I'm not so sure how many of those will still apply. Time will tell I suppose.

MichaelFarley56 wrote:...
is the new engine mount stressed to handle those additional forces?
...

As I understand it, there is no "new" engine mount, only adapters for use with the standard VW mount:

MichaelFarley56 wrote:...
Is it just me or does that cowling look a lot longer than stock? How much farther forward is that engine as compared to a Jab 3300?
...

I don't believe the engine has moved forward compared to the "old" Viking installation on the Sonex.
It has moved upwards to allow for a bigger propeller and move the thrust line up to try and fix the "trim issues" Jan was experiencing with the old Viking installation

I was actually considering buying this aircraft last year when it was on barnstormers. Glad I didn't.

It flies:
http://vikingaircraftengines.ning.com/viking-sport