SonexBuilders.net

Does anyone have ideas about a new sliding canopy for the new B models? I have never been a big supporter of the side flip canopy. A canopy that slides back allows so much more. Would the slide canopy used by the Sonex group still work?
Thank you
Darrell

I think you mean swing back. I don't know of a sliding canopy on a Sonex. I put a swing back on my Sonex that I field engineered mostly on my own. If the B Model uses a support structure the same as the original plans canopy frame then it would be very easy to convert. However, realize that the swing back is more weight and more work/time than following the plans. I accepted these conditions and am still happy with my decision to go the swing back route.

The straight sided fuselage of the B model does open up the possibilities for a sliding canopy.

David A.

Does anyone know the actual weight penalty in pounds for the flip back canopy ?

It's around 5 pounds or less. The three swing arms, right side latch and right wing walk are the parts added to the original design. I didn't weigh the parts prior to installing them so this is just a guess.

I agree, no more than 5 lbs.

I purchased the swing back canopy kit.
Haven't installed it yet. Will get to that project next winter.
The kit weighed in around 4 1/2 pounds.
Probably around another pound or so for the right side wing walk.
My opinion is that it is well worth the added weight, as I consider the side opening canopy a weak point in an otherwise good airframe design.

A sliding canopy would probably weigh as much as a swing back. You won't need the swing arms or the hinge points, but you would need three tracks. I think it would be better than the swing back though. I can't throttle above 1500 RPM with my swing back because it lifts the canopy off the back and bangs it back down. Both would be far more rigid in the open state than the tip over style.
Looking forward to seeing how B builders roll their own.