Sonex
Sonex Aircraft · USA · first flew 1998 · light aircraft
The Sonex is an affordable, all-metal, low-wing kit aircraft designed by John Monnett for straightforward construction using common tools. It offers competitive performance from an economical AeroVee or Jabiru engine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | all-metal low-wing with straight wing and simple flat-sided fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- all-metal low-wing with straight wing and simple flat-sided fuselage
- side-by-side seating under a sliding bubble canopy
- fixed or retractable tricycle undercarriage depending on variant
The compact flat-sided metal fuselage, straight low wing, and simple construction aesthetic distinguish the Sonex from composite counterparts.
Specifications
- The Sonex has a length of 5.26 m (17 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.71 m (22 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 241 km/h (150 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
John Monnett, previously known for the Monerai sailplane and Moni motorglider, founded Sonex Aircraft and first flew the Sonex design in 1998. The aircraft is designed to be built in around 1,500 hours using off-the-shelf aluminium sheet and simple hand tools, keeping costs low. Sonex Aircraft is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Variants
The Waiex is a Y-tail variant of the Sonex; the Xenos is a motor-glider derivative; the Sonex B adds a broader-chord wing.
Where you'll see it
Sonex aircraft hold UK LAA permits and are popular with budget-conscious builders who want a quick-building metal aircraft with respectable cruise speed.
Related aircraft
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