Learn more about Torrey Ward and his SubSonex airshow on his web site: microjetairshow.com

Learn More About the SubSonex!

Sonex has been continually upgrading Xenos Motorglider kits through the years to help make the largest of our kit aircraft models easier to build, and to speed production of Xenos Quick Build Kits as-well as the Teros UAS.

Matched-Hole Formed Parts replace the pre-formed long channel sections previously supplied in our kits with finished parts with all bends complete and pilot holes matching skins and other internal structure parts.

Learn More About the Xenos-B Motorglider

See More Sonex Kit Features & Options!

A great companion to the AeroVee Assembly and Installation Manuals, this video series gives detailed visual depiction of all AeroVee assembly tasks along with helpful commentary by EAA and Sonex alumnus Joe Norris. Also incldued in this video series is a detailed introduction to the AeroConversions AeroInjector.

The AeroVee Engine Kit is an all-inclusive package with brand-new core engine parts (including case), CNC-machined aircraft conversion parts, ignition and induction. Available in a normally-aspirated 80hp version and turbocharged 100hp version, the AeroVee Engine Kit puts knowledge and experience in the homebuilder’s hands via the assembly process allowing the builder to conduct their own maintenance and overhauls through the years. Available for over 20 years, the AeroVee is the cornerstone of Sonex aircraft performance and economy — The Best Performance Per Dollar!

Learn More about the AeroVee Engine Kit!

Learn More about the AeroVee Turbo!

Learn More about the AeroInjector!

This change includes a new Universal Seat Pan installation that accommodates both Center and Dual Stick configuration installations and features a removable forward seat pan to improve access for autopilot servo installations, and installation & service of avionics sensor boxes or antennas. The removable Forward Seat Pan installs via piano hinge and includes cover plates for unused center stick or dual stick locations.

New B-Model kit orders can be upgraded with dual sticks for $760 and existing customers may retrofit their kit or flying aircraft via a $1,500 B-Model Dual Stick Retrofit Package. The Dual Stick installation represents a weight increase of approximately 2.25 lbs. vs. Center Stick Installation. Dual Stick B-Model Upholstery options are coming soon.

NOTE: No Parts Exchanges or Returns are accepted for Center Stick Configuration Parts. Dual Stick Retrofit Kit lead time is approximately 10-12 weeks. Existing kit order customers may add the Dual Stick Upgrade to their kit orders by contacting Sonex Customer Service (some parts may be backordered and ship separately).

Learn More About the Sonex-B

Learn More About the Waiex-B

Learn More About the Xenos-B Motorglider

Another change vs. what was displayed at AirVenture 2022: The instrument panel and glare shield will get the rounded profile shown in JSX-2T CAD renderings, and the forward end of the glare shield will meet the bottom of the windhield similar to our B-Model aircraft. The faceted instrument panel and glare shield shape seen on JSX-2T at AirVenture was installed merely in the interstests of time to get the jet ready to display at the show.

Minimal JSX-2T’s Development Schedule Impact
Thankfully, these changes will not represent a very large impact to the development schedule for JSX-2T. Heading into the colder weather months here in Oshkosh, we will complete this change and progress to completion of the remaining airframe structural construction tasks, then proceed to systems installation. We are targeting the early Spring of 2023 to begin the test flight program, and a late Spring/Early Summer opportunity for Kit Reservation Deposit holders to turn their pre-orders into full orders with kit production beginning in the Summer.

Landing Gear System:
The retractable gear system for JSX-2T will be different than that used in the single-place jet. Instead of using pneumatic cylinders, Sonex is using electric linear actuators for each gear leg. Use of electric linear actuators will reduce weight by eliminating the need for air pumps and accululator tank, and elminates the need for a gear up-lock system.

Due to the larger size and increased max. gross weight of the JSX-2T, the diameter of the wheels will be enlarged, which allows larger, more powerful brakes to be used. The system will use a scaled-up version of the main gear trucks/brake units currently featured in SubSonex JSX-2. The gear legs are also lengthened to give the aircraft more ground clearance — an aesthetic consideration making the aircraft look “right” in its scaled-up form that will also prevent the jet’s larger wing area from increasing float in ground-effect.

Control System:
Like the Sonex, Waiex and Xenos B-Models, SubSonex JSX-2T will utilize a single center-mounted control stick to minimize weight and maximize useful load and performance. Routing and geometry of all control system components have been designed, structural requirements for the control system components have been analyzed, and prototype control system parts are in-process.

Fuel System:
The aircraft will have 10 additional gallons of useable fuel capacity vs. the single-place jet, offering a moderate increase in range and endurance while still keeping the aircraft within its intended max. gross weight and an acceptable CG range. Like the single-place JSX-2, the JSX-2T fuel cell will be removable for maintenance access to other components in the fuselage.

CG and YES: Baggage!
With a max gross weight of 1500 lbs and and estimated empty weight of 620 lbs, the JSX-2T will have great flexibility in CG and loading options. With the side-by-side seating configuration, the 50 gallon fuel cell is positioned on the CG and is wide, allowing a lower total fuel tank height which offers extra space above the fuel tank and on the CG for various combinations baggage, BRS system, smoke oil or auxiliary fuel. Space is still available in this area after the change in turtledeck height/profile discussed in this update. SubSonex JSX-2T will also offer a first for Sonex aircraft: dual aerobatics with an aerobatic max gross weight of 1100 lbs.

Fuselage and Cockpit:
Design of the fuselage is driven primarily by the design and interface of other major aircraft components including the wing, tail, fuel system, engine mounting etc. The cockpit has the largest impact upon the design of the fuselage and much work has been focused on the cockpit design of JSX-2T to accommodate two occupants comfortably, including tall pilots, with access for both pilots to controls. Several features of the JSX-2T cockpit have been designed to make this possible:

• Curved Fuselage Sides: The forward fuselage/cockpit side walls of JSX-2T are curved. Like “bubble doors” on a high-wing aircraft, these curved cockpit side walls give pilots more room at the elbows and hips. This amounts to a 2″ total increase in cockpit width in these areas vs. our earlier aircraft designs with straight longerons and fuselage side walls, however, there is a structural requirement for a straight section at the upper longerons making shoulder room comparable to Sonex aircraft B-Models.
• New Canopy and Turtledeck Shape: The traditional arc of typical Sonex Aircraft turtledeck formers and canopies has been changed for JSX-2T, reducing the total height of the apex of that arc while making the arc taller at either side of the aircraft centerline. This gives pilots an increase in head room while minimizing the total height of the fuselage.
• Ample Leg Room: Like the single-place SubSonex and the Onex, JSX-2T does not have the constraints of an angled firewall or forward bulkhead for landing gear mount provisions. This gives the cockpit ample leg room and the ability to vary the distance of the rudder pedals from the seat.

In SolidWorks modeling of the cockpit, we are able to fit a 95th percentile 6′ 3″ tall person of even proportions into the aircraft. Fit will vary from one individual to the next, however, as ratio of inseam vs. torso length varies, along with weight, and each individual’s perception of a comfortable fit in an aircraft. Like any aircraft, you’ll have to try it on for size, however, pilots of more average height and weight can count on being able to fit in the JSX-2T comfortably.

Read More About SubSonex JSX-2!

Gabe’s Zaero powered Xenos installation, consisting of a Zero Motorcyle fully-electric drivetrain and battery system modified by Gabe for aircraft use, is touted by Kitplanes as the first truly-practical and affordable electric-powered homebuilt aircraft and we agree! The Zaero powered Xenos “can carry two full-size adults and stay aloft for over an hour—more if you can find great lift!”

Through his company, FLIT LLC, Gabe DeVault is providing motor mount/reduction drive units, throttle controllers and general advice to support other Xenos builders as-well as builders of other experimental aircraft types that can use this power package. Sonex now supports builders with airframe battery/motor mounts for installation of the Zaero system on Xenos and Xenos-B Motorgliders! Note that Sonex Aircraft does not consider the Zaero electric propulsion system to be suitable on the Sonex, Waiex, Onex or Sonerai sport aircraft models.

Kitplanes editor at-large Paul Dye is best-known in Sonex circles for his beautiful SubSonex Personal Jet, “Loki,” however, Paul and his wife are also building a Xenos Motorglider and they have elected to make the Zaero electric propulsion package installation in their own Xenos! Kitplanes readers and Sonex enthusiasts will be able to follow Paul’s installation via blog posts and videos, and his aircraft will receive the first-article battery/motor mount from Sonex Aircraft for testing. Read More from Paul Dye and Gabe DeVault about the Zaero powered e-Xenos installation at www.Kitplanes.com/tag/exenos/

Learn More about the Xenos Motorglider!

Read More About the eXenos in Kitplanes Magazine!

Thank you to all the volunteers, EAA staff, Sonex staff and donors for helping to make this build happen! The One Week Wonder was built during AirVenture 2022, going from Complete Airframe Kit to first taxi in 6-1/2 days. See photos and video coverage of the One Week Wonder in our AirVenture 2022 Wrap-Up!

Learn More About the Waiex-B!

View the Latest Sonex Aircraft Completions

Learn More About the Waiex-B and Order One Today!

Beginning July 1, 2022 Sonex will be accepting Kit Reservation Deposits for SubSonex JSX-2T. These pre-orders will allow customers to get in-line for the first kits, anticipated to begin production in the 2nd Quarter of 2023 with shipments estimated to begin during the Fall/Winter of 2023. See full SubSonex JSX-2T Deposit Terms & Conditions for all details.

JSX-2T is configured with side-by-side seating for optimum flexibility in CG/loading and offers an ideal training environment for its crew. The two-place jet will utilize the same proven PBS TJ-100 turbojet engine system, and with a wing span of 21.8 feet JSX-2T will have similar wing loading and handling to the single-place JSX-2.

JSX-2T is destined to be an outstanding choice for those demanding an affordable 2-place recreational personal jet!

Next Steps:
Completion of the prototype will wrap-up after AirVenture and flight testing is scheduled to begin this Fall. At the completion of the flight testing process, JSX-2T Kit Reservation Deposit customers will receive notice to confirm their official kit orders and kit production will begin!

Landing Gear System:
The retractable gear system for JSX-2T will be different than that used in the single-place jet. Instead of using pneumatic cylinders, Sonex is using electric linear actuators for each gear leg. Use of electric linear actuators will reduce weight by eliminating the need for air pumps and accululator tank, and elminates the need for a gear up-lock system.

Due to the larger size and increased max. gross weight of the JSX-2T, the diameter of the wheels will be enlarged, which allows larger, more powerful brakes to be used. The system will use a scaled-up version of the main gear trucks/brake units currently featured in SubSonex JSX-2. The gear legs are also lengthened to give the aircraft more ground clearance — an aesthetic consideration making the aircraft look “right” in its scaled-up form that will also prevent the jet’s larger wing area from increasing float in ground-effect.

Control System:
Like the Sonex, Waiex and Xenos B-Models, SubSonex JSX-2T will utilize a single center-mounted control stick to minimize weight and maximize useful load and performance. Routing and geometry of all control system components have been designed, structural requirements for the control system components have been analyzed, and prototype control system parts are in-process.

Fuel System:
The aircraft will have 10 additional gallons of useable fuel capacity vs. the single-place jet, offering a moderate increase in range and endurance while still keeping the aircraft within its intended max. gross weight and an acceptable CG range. Like the single-place JSX-2, the JSX-2T fuel cell will be removable for maintenance access to other components in the fuselage.

CG and YES: Baggage!
With a max gross weight of 1500 lbs and and estimated empty weight of 620 lbs, the JSX-2T will have great flexibility in CG and loading options. With the side-by-side seating configuration, the 50 gallon fuel cell is positioned on the CG and is wide, allowing a lower total fuel tank height which offers extra space above the fuel tank and on the CG for various combinations baggage, BRS system, smoke oil or auxiliary fuel. SubSonex JSX-2T will also offer a first for Sonex aircraft: dual aerobatics with an aerobatic max gross weight of 1100 lbs.

Fuselage and Cockpit:
Design of the fuselage is driven primarily by the design and interface of other major aircraft components including the wing, tail, fuel system, engine mounting etc. The cockpit has the largest impact upon the design of the fuselage and much work has been focused on the cockpit design of JSX-2T to accommodate two occupants comfortably, including tall pilots, with access for both pilots to controls. Several features of the JSX-2T cockpit have been designed to make this possible:

• Curved Fuselage Sides: The forward fuselage/cockpit side walls of JSX-2T are curved. Like “bubble doors” on a high-wing aircraft, these curved cockpit side walls give pilots more room at the elbows and hips. This amounts to a 2″ total increase in cockpit width in these areas vs. our earlier aircraft designs with straight longerons and fuselage side walls, however, there is a structural requirement for a straight section at the upper longerons making shoulder room comparable to Sonex aircraft B-Models.
• New Canopy and Turtledeck Shape: The traditional arc of typical Sonex Aircraft turtledeck formers and canopies has been changed for JSX-2T, reducing the total height of the apex of that arc while making the arc taller at either side of the aircraft centerline. This gives pilots an increase in head room while minimizing the total height of the fuselage.
• Ample Leg Room: Like the single-place SubSonex and the Onex, JSX-2T does not have the constraints of an angled firewall or forward bulkhead for landing gear mount provisions. This gives the cockpit ample leg room and the ability to vary the distance of the rudder pedals from the seat.

In SolidWorks modeling of the cockpit, we are able to fit a 95th percentile 6′ 3″ tall person of even proportions into the aircraft. Fit will vary from one individual to the next, however, as ratio of inseam vs. torso length varies, along with weight, and each individual’s perception of a comfortable fit in an aircraft. Like any aircraft, you’ll have to try it on for size, however, pilots of more average height and weight can count on being able to fit in the JSX-2T comfortably.

Read More About SubSonex JSX-2!

"The easily field-maintainable aircraft is intended for a wide range of operations," reports NASC officials, "including Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), reconnaissance, counter UAS, communication relay, insertion into contested airspace, electronic warfare, research and development, military training activities and many other mission sets."

TRACER can be seen at AUVSI Xponential Booth 1401 through April 28th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Read more about TRACER in the full press release on NASC’s web site!

Visit the Sonex Aerospace web site!

Learn More about the SubSonex Personal Jet!