Sonex Aircraft Sonex

{{Short description|Type of aircraft}} {{Infobox aircraft | name = Sonex | logo =  | image = SonexC-GVZI01.jpg | caption =  | type = Kit Aircraft | manufacturer = Sonex Aircraft | designer = John Monnett | first_flight =  | introduction =  | retired =  | status =  | primary_user = Private Owners | more_users =  | produced =  | number_built = 311 (Sonex, Dec 2011) 1 (Onex, Dec 2011) 33 (Waiex, Dec 2011) 7 (Xenos, Dec 2011)<ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /> | developed_from =  | variants = Sonex Aircraft Onex Sonex Aircraft Xenos }} [[File:SonexN232TM01.jpg|thumb|A Sonex at the company display at Sun 'n Fun 2004.]] [[File:N12SX Sonex On Floats.jpg|thumb|Sonex on floats at Airventure 2008.]] thumb|Sonex Aircraft Waiex [[File:N112XS Sonex Xenos.jpg|thumb|Sonex Xenos at Airventure 2008.]] thumb|right|Onex [[File:Sub Sonex JSX-1.jpg|thumb|right|SubSonex prototype]] [[File:Viking-Waiex.jpg|thumb|Sonex Waiex with a Viking 110 engine]] The '''Onex''', '''Sonex''', '''Waiex''' and '''Xenos''' are a family of lightweight, metal, low-wing, two seat homebuilt aircraft. Kits are produced and marketed by Sonex Aircraft, a small manufacturer based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. By 2014, 500 customer built aircraft had been completed.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Sport Aviation|date=January 2015|page=14|title=Sonex reports 500th completion}}</ref> The Sonex can also be built from plans.<ref name="KitplanesDec2011">Vandermeullen, Richard: ''2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide'', Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 70. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2007">Downey, Julia: ''2008 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 72. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', pages 119-120. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref>

Company founder John Monnett was approached by an Italian business looking for an aircraft that would meet their Microlight category. A variation of Sonerai was initially proposed to meet the 40 mph minimum flight speed requirement. Eventually a clean-sheet design was built around a Jabiru or VW engine installation with similar all-aluminum box fuselage construction as the Monnett Moni.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Sport Aviation|title=The Sonex|date=Aug 1998|author=Jack Cox}}</ref> The Sonex can accept various lightweight – less than {{convert|200|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} – engines of between {{convert|80|and|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16'', pages 81 & 126. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonexaircraft.com/sonex/|title=The Sonex-B Kit|date=21 November 2015|publisher=sonexaircraft.com}}</ref>

The Sonex, Waiex and Xenos all qualify as American experimental light-sport aircraft (ELSA).<ref name="ELSA">{{Cite web|url = http://www.sportpilot.org/learn/lsa/likely_lsa.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060810211940/http://www.sportpilot.org/learn/lsa/likely_lsa.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 10 August 2006|title = Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA)|access-date = 19 December 2010|last = Experimental Aircraft Association|authorlink = |year = 2010}}</ref>

==Development== The Sonex plans contain several construction options, including conventional or tricycle landing gear, as well as a center or dual stick. Motor mount drawings are supplied for all three recommended powerplants: the 2180cc Volkswagen, 2200 Jabiru, and 3300 Jabiru. High performance is achieved through a clean aerodynamic shape and simple, light weight construction.

The Sonex can be built from scratch using factory supplied drawings or may be assembled in approximately 800 to 1,000 hours using the precut complete airframe kit. A complete kit based Sonex can be constructed for as little as USD$25,600.<ref name="Kitplanes">Kitplanes Staff: ''2008 Kit Aircraft Directory'', page 72, Kitplanes Magazine December 2007 Volume 24, Number 12, Belvior Publications, Aviation Publishing Group LLC.</ref><ref name="Sonex Aircraft">{{cite web|url = http://sonexaircraft.com/ads/affordable/index.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080827131625/http://sonexaircraft.com/ads/affordable/index.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2008-08-27|title = Affordable|access-date = 2010-01-07}}</ref>

The aviation website Aero-News.Net named the Sonex the Plane Of The Year - E-LSA Kit Category for 2006.<ref name="ANN">{{cite web|url = http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=277aa84a-08df-4e4e-bb6c-c65a07bc05b2|title = Final: ANN Names the 2006 Plane Of The Year--E-LSA Kit Category|accessdate = 2008-03-15|last = Aero-News Network|authorlink = |date=January 2007}}</ref>

==Variants== ;Sonex :The original model, incorporating a low-wing design, two seats, and a conventional tail. Available as plans or a kit.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="Sonex">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/sonex.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051125071904/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/sonex.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2005-11-25|title = Sonex - the Original Reality Check|access-date = 2008-10-09|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2008}}</ref> ;Sonex B :Introduced in April 2016, this model is a modification of the original Sonex, with an enlarged cockpit for larger and taller pilots, a center "Y-stick", electric flaps and dual throttles as standard. Support for the CAMit 3300 was offered and more room for the Rotax 912 and ULPower UL350i series of engines.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/releases/pr_021816.html|title=Sonex -- The Sport Aircraft Reality Check!|website=www.sonexaircraft.com|access-date=2016-08-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sonex shows new B models for first time|url=http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2016/April/02/Sonex-shows-Waiex-B-model-for-first-time|accessdate=5 April 2016|date=2016-04-02}}</ref> ;Waiex :In production - Almost identical to the Sonex, but features a Y-tail.<ref name="Y-tail">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/waiex.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060405030020/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/waiex.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2006-04-05|title = Specifications - Tail Configuration: Y-tail|access-date = 2010-01-06|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2010}}</ref> Although similar in looks to a V-tail, the Y-tail has a stub rudder in line with the aft fuselage.<ref>''Kitplanes'', April 2005, Page 21</ref> The company markets this version under the motto ''Just Because It Looks Cool''. Available as a kit only.<ref name="WDLA11"/><ref name="WDLA15"/><ref name="Waiex">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/waiex.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060405030020/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/waiex.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2006-04-05|title = Waiex - Just Because It Looks Cool|access-date = 2008-10-09|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2008}}</ref> First flew on 19 July 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xenos Development Archive |url=http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/xenosdev/xenosarchive1.html |website=Sonex |access-date=29 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819164542/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/xenosdev/xenosarchive1.html |archive-date=19 August 2006}}</ref> ;Waiex B :Introduced April 2016 - Same improvements as Sonex B<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Sonex-Introduces-New-B-Models-225981-1.html|title=Sonex Introduces New B-Models|work=AVweb|accessdate=7 April 2016|date=2016-04-05}}</ref> ;e-Flight Waiex :Waiex electric aircraft variant, powered by a DC brushless electric motor, built in 2007 and first displayed at AirVenture in 2009. Available as a kit only.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="WDLA15"/> First flew in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Horne |first1=Thomas A. |title=Sonex Electric-Powered Waiex Makes First Flight |url=http://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2010/december/06/sonex-electric-powered-waiex-makes-first-flight |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=AOPA |date=6 December 2010}}</ref> ;Xenos :In production - motor-glider development of the Waiex with longer wings and the same choice of engines. Available as a kit only.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="WDLA15"/><ref name="Xenos">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/xenos.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060405025949/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/xenos.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2006-04-05|title = Xenos|access-date = 2008-10-09|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2008}} </ref> ;Onex :(pronounced ''One-ex'' by the company) In production<ref name=onex_update>{{cite web | url=http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/updates/onex/onex_update_012612.html | title=Onex Progress Update: January 26, 2012 | work=Sonex Aircraft Onex | access-date=2012-01-27 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129035505/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/updates/onex/onex_update_012612.html | archive-date=January 29, 2012 | df= }}</ref> - All new design introduced at Airventure 2009. The design features a single seat with folding wings and an AeroVee Volkswagen air-cooled engine.<ref name="Onex">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/onex.html|title = Onex|access-date = 2010-01-06|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |date = January 2010|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110516011247/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/onex.html|archive-date = 2011-05-16|df = }}</ref><ref name="AvWeb26Jul10">{{cite web|url = http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusivevids/EAAAirVenture2010_Sonex_Onex_202949-1.html|title = Sonex Onex|accessdate = 26 July 2010|last = Cook|first = Mark|authorlink = |date=July 2010}}</ref> ;Teros :(2015) A proposed UAV, developed with Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation using the Waiex airframe powered by a turbocharged Aero-Vee engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Sonex-Navmar-To-Produce-UAVs-224006-1.html|title=Sonex, Navmar To Produce UAVs|accessdate=4 May 2015|date=May 2015}}</ref> ;SubSonex : A single place single engine turbine aircraft similar in design to an Onex, with a Waiex style Y tail. Introduced at Airventure 2009. Powered by a Czech-built PBS TJ-100 turbojet engine mounted above the aft fuselage, with the exhaust exiting between the Y-tail. The SubSonex achieved first engine test runs in December 2009. The engine produces {{convert|240|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} of thrust. Originally developed with only a central mono pod wheel, tail wheel and small wing tip outriggers. The prototype developed directional controllability problems during taxi-tests. The SubSonex now has a tricycle landing gear.<ref name="AvWeb30Dec09">{{cite web|url = http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FirstFlightExpectedSoonForJetPoweredSonex_201771-1.html|title = First Flight Expected Soon For Jet-Powered Sonex|accessdate = 2009-12-31|last = Grady|first = Mary|authorlink = |date=December 2009}}</ref><ref name="SubSonex">{{cite web|url = http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/subsonex.html|title = SubSonex Progress Updates|access-date = 2009-12-31|last = Sonex Aircraft|authorlink = |date = December 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827003023/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/research/subsonex.html|archive-date = 2009-08-27|df = }}</ref><ref name="AvWeb07Jun10">{{cite web|url = http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/JetPoweredGliderCompletesTestFlights_202683-1.html |title = Jet-Powered Glider Completes Test Flights|accessdate = 10 June 2010|last = Grady|first = Mary|authorlink = |date=June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/releases/pr_072210.html|title=Sonex -- The Sport Aircraft Reality Check!|work=sonexaircraft.com|accessdate=7 April 2016}}</ref> and was flight tested by Jet-sailplane performer Bob Carlton in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=SubSonex Jet Completes Maiden Flight |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/jets/subsonex-jet-completes-maiden-flight|accessdate=5 September 2011}}</ref> [[File:G-CGPL - SONEX Taxiing.jpg|thumb|G-CGPL - SONEX Taxiing at Dunkeswell Aerodrome]]

==Specifications (Sonex) ==

{{Aircraft specs |ref=''manufacturer’s website''<ref name=site>{{cite web | url=http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/sonex.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125071904/http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/sonex.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=2005-11-25 | title=Sonex | work=Sonex Aircraft | access-date=2006-04-14 }}</ref> |prime units?=imp  |genhide= |crew=one |capacity=one passenger |length m= |length ft=18 |length in=1 |length note= |span m= |span ft=22 |span in=0 |span note= |height m= |height ft=4 |height in=8 |height note=with conventional landing gear, 74" with tri-gear |wing area sqm= |wing area sqft=98 |wing area note= |aspect ratio= |airfoil=NACA 64-415 |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb=620 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb=1220 |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity=16 US gallons (60.6 litres) |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Jabiru 3300 |eng1 type=six cylinder horizontally-opposed aircraft engine |eng1 kw= |eng1 hp=120 |eng1 shp= |prop blade number= |prop name= |prop dia m= |prop dia ft= |prop dia in= |prop note=

|perfhide= |max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph=170 |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note=at 8000 ft |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph=40 |stall speed kts= |stall speed note=flaps down |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph=197 |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed mph= |minimum control speed kts= |minimum control speed note= |range km= |range miles=400 |range nmi= |range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=23000 |ceiling note= |g limits=+6/-3 at aerobatic gross weight or +4.4/-2.2 at utility gross weight |roll rate= |glide ratio=11:1 |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin=1400 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |lift to drag=11:1 |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading lb/sqft= |wing loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance= |avionics= }}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category multi|Sonex Aircraft Sonex|Sonex Aircraft Waiex}} *{{Official website|https://www.sonexaircraft.com/sonex/}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20201022092617/https://www.avweb.com/features/kitplanes-flight-review-waiex-b/ KitPlanes Flight Review: Waiex B] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20211125102328/https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/experimentals/buying-used-sonex-waiex/ AVweb guide to the Sonex and Waiex]

Category:2000s United States sport aircraft Category:Homebuilt aircraft Category:Light-sport aircraft Category:Monnett aircraft Category:V-tail aircraft Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft Sonex Category:Low-wing aircraft