Sonex B models

[Bryan Cotton]

The only way I will regret not having a B model is if they offer self-polishing aluminum. That would be a tragedy.

[John Usher]

I just sent my deposit for a Waiex "B" model and also ordered the tail kit so I could be "bumped to the front of the line". :-) I sold my Sonex kit/project last year and have had "seller's remorse" ever since. These new "B" model upgrades are exactly what I had hoped Sonex would do in the past. KUDOS to the R&D folks!

[fastj22]

One thing that will be neat, is the straight sides will allow a slide back canopy like the RV. Think of the builder mods!

[mfazio]

I've seen some really nice Model A's with some pretty fine builder mods. I would be inclined to call them "A+" models. Those with "B" models with mods would only be "B+". :). I'll probably still talk to the B guys, all one big happy family.

Mike Fazio


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[fastj22]

As a Model A driver, I pledge never to speak down to my Model B brethren. In fact, I will probably be quietly envious of their birds. But I will never show it.

[mfazio]

I'm envious of just about everything that flies. Flight is a wonderful thing. All good.


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[N111YX]

It's not all about performance. I'd gladly give up 20 horsepower, 30 lbs of weight, and a few more $ for a TSO'ed engine. If I only flew over Kansas I might think along your lines but then again I'm probably in the minority.

Is an RV12 some sort of standard reference? That design would not influence me one bit if I had the designers pen.

A few notes that I haven't seen anyone comment on:

[*] On O-200's I'm not surprised this still isn't supported. Sonex has made it clear that they don't feel the O-200 adds any performance over an AeroVee or a Jab/Camit. Adding weight for no additional performance is pretty antithetical to most aircraft designers, Sonex included. I mean, do you see the RV-12 supporting an O-200 option? [Hint: No.]

--Noel
Sonex #1339
TD, Center-Stick, Acro-ailerons, Flush Pulled Rivets, AeroVee Turbo
Wings & Empennage finished, Aft Fuselage nearly complete

[rizzz]

If you think about it, this is probably close to what a Sonex would have looked like from the start had John Monnett not designed it around the J2200 engine and chosen the VW for his original design.
With the "A" model VW combination, if you were starting from scratch why would you not design the aircraft slightly wider at firewall so the cowling can follow the line of the fuselage.

Anyway, this is a great development. I'm really impressed with how Sonex is showing to listen to their customers and develop their product accordingly.
A lot of the issues people have raised on this forum and others seem to have been addressed with this new "B" model.

I'm jealous! But I'll keep flying my bird proudly for now. I love her too much and she's been very well behaved so far. :-)
I think however you will see quite a few "A" models pop up on Barnstormers very soon, both finished and unfinished kits. Might be a good time to pick up a bargain very soon

[fastj22]

I already have the electric flaps, hydraulic brakes, single stick in my Waiex. Well before Sonex came into the light. I welcome them. I guess one could consider the Rotax a certified engine as its installed in SLSA aircraft. Could this be the precursor to an SLSA Sonex? Hmmmm?

[vigilant104]

The wing didn't change. Bumping up the gross above 1150 will increase the stall speed above LSA requirements.

While there's nothing ironclad, the math indicates a clean Sonex will stall within LSA criteria at weights up to the LSA limit (and, no, I am NOT recommending that anyone fly a Sonex at 1320 lbs)

From a previous post (see more in that thread, here http://sonexbuilders.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=186&p=1369&hilit=stall#p1369)

IIRC, the change in stall speed with an increase in weight is:
new stall speed =(previous stall speed) x (sqrt (new weight/old weight))

From the factory numbers, an 1150 lb Sonex has a clean stall speed of 46 MPH, so, stall speed (clean) for a SONEX at the 1320 lb LSA limit (and I'm NOT saying it's a good idea to fly that way, given ROC and G-limits): 46 x sqrt (1320/1150) = 49.3 MPH = 43 KCAS.

I'm sure there are lots of good reasons not to fly a Sonex at 1320 lbs, but the airplane should still stall slower than the 45 KCAS LSA requirement.
(If my math is right!)