Sub-Sonex ($60k homebuild Jet)

[angelwingsthesecond]

Hi all,

Just as the ONEX (anticipated) is the much anticipated Sub-Sonex. this video was shot during OSHKOSH 2010 and Sonex are ready for first test flights.
The Sub-Sonex essentially is a homebuild jet that has a legit jet engine made in the czech republic. I am so excited about this aircraft, as this would come in around the same price as a new cheetah or Jabi.

So all in cost is around R480 000 (1USD = R8.00)

Heres the video:


Heres the anticipated Specs: (note they have since fitted tri-gear configuration)


SubSonex Basic Specifications
Length:
15' 9" [4.80 m]
Wing Span:
18' [5.49 m]
Wing Area:
60 sq. ft. [5.57 sq. m]
Empty Weight:
330 lbs [150 kg]
Max Gross Weight (takeoff):
750 lbs [340.2 kg]
Engine:
170-200 lb thrust turbine
Fuel Capacity:
32 U.S. Gal. [121 Liters]
Construction:
All Aluminum Riveted




So after the ONEX build maybe we can build a squadron of these

[George]

Wonder if it be retract. Just look wrong with wheels hanging out. Even a taillie would look better, but eish i think on takeoff she be a handfull

[angelwingsthesecond]

Wonder if it be retract. Just look wrong with wheels hanging out. Even a taillie would look better, but eish i think on takeoff she be a handfull

There is talk of the nose gear being retractable, but i dont see the harm in making it fully retractable. Would increase the airspeed considerably I am sure.

[Pheonix137]

Damn this could be a lot of fun. Sonex aircraft really have some nice concepts! Now if only they could make them look a bit prettier!

[angelwingsthesecond]

Damn this could be a lot of fun. Sonex aircraft really have some nice concepts! Now if only they could make them look a bit prettier!

Well they say they gonna rework the design a bit so lets hope! i think the Sub-Sonex aircraft could look quite good once the gear is retracted. I would love to see another kit (as cheap as the Sub Sonex) that looks as sexy as the BD 10 did (also a homebuild from the late 80's). Heres a pic of the BD 10

[Emil]

has it flown yet.

[angelwingsthesecond]

has it flown yet.

Cant say for sure yet, but they were registered to fly and begin tests. they said they would after OSHKOSH but nothing yet on their website. I will keep searching. they have done high speed taxi tests at this stage (pre OSHKOSH 2010)

[George]

has it flown yet.

nope. they hit a snag with the U/C ops and are redesigning u/c. The thrust was paying havoc with mono wheel

[angelwingsthesecond]

has it flown yet.

nope. they hit a snag with the U/C ops and are redesigning u/c. The thrust was paying havoc with mono wheel

George, there is no more mono wheel, and they retrofitted tri gear, they have completed the high speed taxi tests and are 'ready' for flight test program... So yes they may not have flown yet, but at the time of the video they were ready... have you watched the video yet

[Ger]

Why would you buy one of these when you can pick up an L29 or Jet Provost for the same money with trusted engines and fantastic airframe build quality?


And of course you get two seats in the 29 and JP

[George]

The magic word in aviation. COSTS.... Maint, fuel everything.....

[angelwingsthesecond]

The magic word in aviation. COSTS.... Maint, fuel everything.....

Exactly... and the fact that this would be ZERO time as opposed to 100 year old jet! OK 100 years was an exaggeration but the Sub-Sonex would be new, and what a sense of accomplishment once you have built YOUR OWN jet! i mean how many guys can sit in a pub and say.... "Um ya, you know (sip beer)... I built my own JET ...(sip beer)...Wanna see it?"

[George]

And of course you get two seats in the 29 and JP

2 seater will not be far behind.... RV1, then RV3 then RV4 and look where they are now....

[Grys Dweizelschidt]

Sipping a bear could easily get you mauled.

The BD-10 kind of defeats the Sonex philosophy of simple and cheap yet well constructed. That bird looks like a lot of work to me.

Powerplant is the big conundrum for jets in this class. Not sure what they'd use for multiple seat types. Also, you have to remember that refinements like retracts add weight. When using a small engine it's the last thing you want to be adding. Could have done a better job on the fairings though.

[Ger]

If it's costs. then keep well away from any turbine !!!! False economy.
And 200lbs of thrust for a 2 seater? I think not. OH ok, put in a bigger engine. mmmm I wonder what that will COST?

I also look forward to watching any jabi/RV pilot on his first solo in a turbine with no 2 seater available. Camera in hand and waiting.

And those same guys in a pub saying, ah, he was a good guy, built his own jet you know.showed it to my once. Yeah, killed him too. Ah well, lets drink to him.

And re the 100 year old jet engines. yes, Rolls royce know nothing about jet engines.

just my thoughts, but hell, go ahead and get one. charging my video camera as we speak