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Monnet Sonex / Subsonex JSX-1

Sonex Ltd Sonex / Subsonex JSX-1

Sonex, Ltd. is a kit manufacturer in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Their original design, the all-metal, two-seat Sonex single engine monoplane morphed into the V-tailed Waiex. Add a 45' wingspan to that airplane, and a  motorglider, the Xenos, is born. The company boasts the talents of John Monnett, creator of the Monerai sailplane and the Moni motorglider.

Designed by John Monnett as a simple airframe and power plant to create a fun VFR machine. A basic and economical all metal, two place monoplane with a hp range of 80-120. With all the metal except the main spar, pop-riveted, options include nose or tail wheel.

Designed to meet the needs of the European and Domestic sport aircraft markets, it can incorporate various light weight engines of 80 to 120 hp (engine package weight of less than 200 lbs.), and is perfectly suited to the new US Sport Pilot/LSA regulations. The three recommended powerplants include the 2180cc Volkswagon, 2200 Jabiru, and 3300 Jabiru.

Performance is achieved through its clean aerodynamic shape and simple, light weight construction. The Sonex plans contain many options, including a tailwheel or tricycle landing gear along with a center or dual stick. Motor mount drawings are supplied for all three recommended powerplants.

The Sonex features easily removable wings for transport and storage.

 

Engine: 80 hp Jabiru 2200
Wing span: 22 ft
Wing Area: 98.0 sq. ft.
Length: 17.5 ft
Tail Height (Std Gear): 56"
Tail Height (Tri-Gear): 74"
Main Gear Width: 71" (with wheel pants)
Air Foil: 64-415
Cockpit Width: 40 in.
Fuel Capacity: 16 US Gal.
Empty Weight (average): 620 lbs.
Range: 550 miles
Cruise Speed @ Sea Level: 130 mph
Cruise Speed @ 8000 ft (TAS): 150 mph
Power Loading (GW/HP): 13.125
T.O. Distance: 400 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Max Flap Extended Speed (Vfe): 100 mph / 161 km/h
Maneuvering Speed: 125 mph / 201 km/h  
Never Exceed Speed (Vne): 171 kt / 197 mph / 317 km/h
Stall Speed (full flaps): 35 kt / 40 mph / 64 km/h  
Stall Speed (clean): 46 mph / 74 km/h
Fuel consumption: 14 lt/hr.
Utility Category
- Gross Weight: 1100 lbs
- Baggage (Max): 40 lbs
- Useful Load: 480 lbs
- Rate of Climb: 800-1000 fpm
- Positive Load Factor: +4.4 Gs
- Negative Load Factor: -2.2 Gs
- L/D: 11:1
- CG Limits: 20-32% Wing Chord
Aerobatic Category
- Gross Weight: 950 lbs
- Baggage (Max): 10 lbs
- Rate of Climb: 1000-1250 fpm
- Positive Load Factor: +6.0 Gs
- Negative Load Factor: -3.0 Gs
- CG Limits: 23-29% Wing Chord

Engine: 120 hp Jabiru
Wing span: 22 ft
Wing Area: 98.0 sq. ft.
Length: 17.5 ft
Tail Height (Std Gear): 56"
Tail Height (Tri-Gear): 74"
Main Gear Width: 71" (with wheel pants)
Air Foil: 64-415
Cockpit Width: 40 in.
Fuel Capacity: 16 US Gal.
Empty Weight (average): 620 lbs.
Range: 400 miles
Cruise Speed @ Sea Level: 135 mph
Cruise Speed @ 8000 ft (TAS): 170 mph
Power Loading (GW/HP): 9.583
T.O. Distance: 250 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Max Flap Extended Speed (Vfe): 100 mph / 161 km/h
Maneuvering Speed: 125 mph / 201 km/h  
Never Exceed Speed (Vne): 171 kt / 197 mph / 317 km/h
Stall Speed (full flaps): 35 kt / 40 mph / 64 km/h  
Stall Speed (clean): 46 mph / 74 km/h
Utility Category
- Gross Weight: 1150 lbs
- Baggage (Max): 40 lbs
- Useful Load: 530 lbs
- Rate of Climb: 1200-1400 fpm
- Positive Load Factor: +4.4 Gs
- Negative Load Factor: -2.2 Gs
- L/D: 11:1
- CG Limits: 20-32% Wing Chord
Aerobatic Category
- Gross Weight: 950 lbs
- Baggage (Max): 10 lbs
- Rate of Climb: 2000+ fpm
- Positive Load Factor: +6.0 Gs
- Negative Load Factor: -3.0 Gs
- CG Limits: 23-29% Wing Chord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SubSonex jet aircraft prototype, JSX-1, made its first flight on August 10, 2011 at Wittman Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Piloted by Bob Carlton, the flight lasted approximately 14 minutes and focused on low-end speed, including stalls and low approaches in the landing configuration. The engine selected for the SubSonex is the Czech-built PBS TJ-100 turbojet.

 

 Subsonex-JSX-1-2.jpg 19

 

Through the course of a series of high-speed taxi tests, Sonex design team has identified some issues with controllability of the aircraft in the transition phase approaching takeoff speeds, and has decided to enter a thorough design review process aimed at making the aircraft easier to handle for the average recreational pilot.

 

The Subsonex originally sported a tandem landing gear with outrigger gear on each wing tip. Due to the increased power offered by the new PBS TJ-100 engine selected for the SubSonex, it was determined that a tricycle gear configuration would be needed to increase yaw stability on the ground in the transition phase approaching takeoff speeds.

 

During Air Venture 2010, it was presented with the new fixed tricycle landing gear and the PBS TJ-100 turboJet engine.

 

 Subsonex-JSX-1.jpg 19

Subsonex JSX-1