June 4, 2010: SubSonex Airframe to Enter Design Review
The SubSonex personal jet program faces setbacks, despite huge successes with engine systems integration and testing. Through the course of a series of high-speed taxi tests in recent months, the design team has identified some issues with controllability of the aircraft in the transition phase approaching takeoff speeds, and has decided to enter a thorough… Read More
Onex Progress Update: March 25, 2010
A highly-successful webinar hosted by EAA and attended live by approximately 400 people was given by Jeremy Monnett (Sonex Aircraft CEO, General Manager, and Onex project lead engineer) on March 23rd with the progress made so far on the Onex. The Onex webinar is archived and can be watched in video format at: click here… Read More
March 24, 2010: E-Flight Electric Sport Aircraft (ESA)
The e-Flight Initiative research and development project to develop electric powered flight continues to make steady progress in the Hornets’ Nest. Although the e-Flight electric system is being targeted as a replacment for any internal combustion aircraft installation producing approximately 80 horsepower, several new Sonex Aircraft airframe configurations are being considered for electric power, including… Read More
EAA and Sonex Hosts Onex Single-Place Aircraft Development Webinar [video archive]
Webinar: The Onex, from Sonex! See More Sonex Aircraft Webinars! Return to the Hornets’ Nest/Onex Archive
Onex Progress Update: January 8, 2010
Steady progress has been made on the Onex since it was publicly announced last July at the AirVenture Fly-In. We’ve completed the designs of the spar, wing panel layout including wing skins, wing ribs/rib tooling, hinge and pin release mechanism, and aileron bellcrank assembly. The tail design is also complete along with the high-level aft… Read More
WIRED Magazine “DIY Jet Almost Ready to Fly” by Jason Paur
WIRED Magazine “DIY Jet Almost Ready to Fly” by Jason Paur An article featuring the SubSonex jet aircraft project has been posted to the Autopia section of WIRED magazine’s web publication on January 5, 2010. Learn More about the SubSonex!
December 23, 2009: The SubSonex Runs!
Successful Engine Runs! The Hornets’ Nest R&D team is pleased to announce that, on Friday December 18, the SubSonex PBS TJ-100 engine was successfully started and run. A total of three runs were made throughout the day, including one with power settings between 80-100 percent. The video at right tells the story… be sure to… Read More
December 16, 2009: New LiPo Battery Pack, and Motor & Controller Refinements
Three steps forward, two steps back. The E-Flight Team continues to move ever closer to flight while turning setbacks into E-Flight system enhancements. The integrated system testing shown in the September update provided the team with a substantial amount of information and excitement. The full power motor runs turning a Jabiru 3300 propeller at 2800… Read More
November 25, 2009: New Engine Selection and Panel
Engine Selection The Hornets’ Nest R&D Team has selected a new engine for the SubSonex jet aircraft, the PBS TJ-100. The TJ-100 engine was seen by many attendees of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 as the powerplant for Bob Carlton’s Salto jet-powered glider airshow act. Exhibition of the SubSonex at AirVenture attracted the attention of both… Read More
September 8, 2009: High Power Runs in Integrated Aircraft System
The biggest challenge the E-flight team currently faces with the project is the battery pack/power supply. A number of battery manufacturers have been approached as potential suppliers of the 15kW-h of power desired for the system. The goal of the E-Flight team is to forge a partnership with a battery company or companies that can… Read More
