Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Sonex shows new B models for first time

A new Sonex, the Waiex B, debuted at Sun 'n Fun. Photo by Mike Collins.

Sonex Aircraft is showing the Sonex B and Waiex B kitplanes for the first time at the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. The aircraft, powered by an AeroVee Turbo engine, will be unveiled on the first day of the show, April 5.

It features MGL Avionics with 8.5-inch dual-screen display, or buyers can select a Dynon SkyView Quick Panel dual-screen system. UL Power offers an option of UL-350 series engines. It also can use Jabiru or Rotax engines. Engine mounts are available from Sonex for those engines.

The “B” models, announced in February, have more room, more panel space, more fuel, more engine choices, and more standard features compared to previous kits, according to Sonex designer and founder John Monnett. Their appearance at the show will be the first opportunity for those outside the company to see the aircraft, as the company has released only digital drawings to date.

In other news, Sonex officials said they have made the 200-knot SubSonex Personal Jet more affordable, offering a Sub-100 SubSonex kit plus PBS TJ-100 engine for $97,000, and allowing customers to split costs over the span of the aircraft’s build time. A BRS airframe parachute is an option. The airframe kit alone without an engine, avionics, upholstery, and finishing materials is $42,000.

Bob Carlton will perform his SubSonex aerobatic airshow act and night performance during Sun 'n Fun. You can see his routine here as performed last year during EAA AirVenture.

Sonex is also offering a quickbuild kit for the Xenos Motorglider. The airframe kit without an engine or avionics is $16,000.

Alton Marsh

Alton K. Marsh

Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.
Topics: Aviation Industry, Technology, Sun 'n Fun

Related Articles