Sonex reveals two-seat jet

The SubSonex JSX–2T will have side-by-side seating that will enable it to be an effective trainer for the single-place jet, the company said. It will have similar wing loading and handling as the single-seat JSX–2, and it will use the same engine, the PBS TJ-100 turbojet. An optional more powerful PBS TJ-150 will be available.

The jet will have a wingspan of 21.8 feet and will carry 50 gallons of fuel and 40 pounds of baggage, with a useful load of 970 pounds. Its estimated cruise speed is 200 mph, with a never-exceed speed of 275 mph and an estimated stall speed of 65 mph.

Sonex announced its single-seat JSX–2 in 2009. AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman flew the jet in 2015, and called it an aircraft “designed for personal challenge, fulfillment, and fun.”

Sonex will host an open house and fly-in just ahead of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The July 21 event at Sonex headquarters at Wittman Regional Airport will start at 10 a.m. and feature a presentation about the jet’s projected development timeline.

The JSX–2 made its fully aerobatic airshow debut in 2015 at Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Bob Carlton, who helped Sonex finalize the integration of the PBS turbojet (which produces 250 pounds of thrust) and test-flew the JSX–2 before launching it on the airshow circuit, likened the experience to performing a "Thunderbirds solo act."

The JSX–2 has also flown at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.  (The event has since been re-branded.)