Sonex B models

[ihab]

http://kitplanes2.com/blog/2016/02/sone ... -b-models/

[Sonex1517]

Now that the cat has escaped the bag, I would point out the following in the announcement that is relevant to current discussions:

Sonex Aircraft is expanding engine options with the Sonex and Waiex B-Models, offering the same great firewall-forward support for AeroVee/AeroVee Turbo and Jabiru/CAMit 3300 engines, while adding engine mount options for UL Power 350i, 350is, and Rotax 912-series engines. A new universal cowl is designed to fit all 4 options.

[kmacht]

Would be interested to see the performance specs for the new model. Looks to be a wider and heavier version of the sonex. The standard aerovee is marginal at gross weight with the current model. Unless they have some trick up their sleeve I'm not sure a standard aerovee is going to do very well in the new model. That's too bad because an inexpensive engine option is what drove me to the sonex in the first place.

Keith

[ihab]

My first question at this point would be, at what weight are these aircraft approved for aerobatics? The original Sonex/Waiex are aerobatic mostly when solo. Can one expect these to be aerobatic when dual? If so, that would be the item that sets them off from their competition (Rans S-19, Van's RV-12, Zenith 650, ...) -- apart from the expected Sonex simple and quick construction, and the reasonable kit cost.

Ihab

[Bryan Cotton]

Wow! Big change!

[Sonex1517]

The official announcement is now up at http://www.sonexaircraft.com/

Links are also at http://sonexfoundation.com/

I also saw a note about heated seats as an option...!!!

[ihab]

The official announcement is now up at http://www.sonexaircraft.com/

Great, thanks!

First question: Why did Sonex not up the gross weight all the way to the LSA maximum 1320#? I guess my answer to myself would be: to maintain compatibility with the Aerovee. The Aerovee is Sonex's main tool for building a super low-cost aircraft.

That said, though, and perhaps as a result, the aerobatic gross weight allows only 330# of useful load, so with any reasonable occupants, it is still solo when aerobatic.

Ihab

[kevinh]

Looks cool. I'm bummed I can't swap my unstarted fuse for the B fuse, but I understand. ;-)

[N111YX]

I was hoping for Continental O-200 capability and a all up weight of 1300 lbs... :(

However, it's good to see some R&D come to fruition!

[Bryan Cotton]

I was hoping for Continental O-200 capability and a all up weight of 1300 lbs... :(

That would be the C model!