Sonex Highwing Update: Preliminary Data

Since we know you all are dying to know, here are some preliminary numbers from flight test of the Sonex Highwing! After last week’s brief first flight, we took some time to make door latch and control rigging adjustments, installed the wheel pants and gear leg fairings, waited for some weather, enjoyed the 4th of July 3-day weekend, and made the second flight of N225SH this morning. Test pilot Joe Norris orbited Wittman Regional Airport at 2500 feet for approximately 20 minutes, logging an extremely successful flight. Limited to 80% Throttle for the first 15 hours per UL Power break-in instructions, the aircraft still climbed extremely well and showed impressive speeds in level flight. See the performance in some EFIS and Flight Data Viewer screenshots below. More to come as we keep flying! Stay Tuned via the Sonex Highwing Mailing List!

 

A Google Earth view of this morning’s flight track over KOSH.

The aircraft averaged about 1200 fpm in climb this morning, in the aerobatic short wingspan configuration and being gentle with the engine during break-in.

 

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Get yourself in line for a kit by placing a $500 Kit Reservation Deposit today. These deposits not-only get you a place in line amongst your fellow future Highwing builders, but also helps Sonex to plan for kit inventory needs. Kit Reservation Deposit Holders will be given the opportunity to turn their reservations into firm orders following the first flight tests of the prototype aircraft. Deposits are refundable minus a $50 cancellation fee. If you have any questions, please reach-out to us via our Contact Form.

A screenshot of the Dynon HDX from Joe. Not bad for only 61% throttle!

50% throttle and a slight climb attitude. Don’t worry about the fuel level indication — we finally got around to calibrating it today after this flight.

Average RPM vs. True Airspeed numbers at 2500 feet.

Cylinder Head Temperatures graph for the flight.

Exhuast Gas Temperatures graph for the flight.

Oil Temperature graph for today’s flight.

The Highwing has moved out of the R&D hangar to live in the Flight Center with it’s speedy siblings. This morning’s flight shows that she fits right in!

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Sonex Highwing Estimated Specifications

Subject to change without notice

Specifications
Seats 2
Length 19′ 3.5″
Wing Span* 26′ 2.4″
Wing Area* 117.9 sq. ft.
Aerobatic (2-place) Wing Span* 23′ 1.3″
Aerobatic (2-place) Wing Area* 104 sq. ft.
Tail Height (Taildragger) 61.5″
Tail Height (Tricycle Gear) 80.5″
Tail Width w/Wing Tips 92.75″
Inboard Wing Section Width 89.5″
Main Gear Width with Wheel Pants 73.75″
Air Foil 64-415
Primary Structure 6061-T6 Aluminum
Maximum Fuel Capacity 30 US Gal.
Cockpit Width (Interior) 42″
Engines (100-130 hp)
  • AeroVee
  • Jabiru 3300
  • UL Power
  • Rotax 9-series
Estimated Stall Speed (clean) 50 mph
Design Cruise Speed (Vc) 159 mph
Estimated Maneuvering Speed (Va) 125 mph
Never Exceed Speed (Vne) 200 mph
Utility Category
Basic Empty Weight 820 lbs
Max Gross Weight 1500 lbs
Baggage (Max) 90 lbs
Useful Load (Including Fuel) 680 lbs
Wing Loading 12.7 lbs./sq. ft.
Power Loading
  • 100 hp: 15 lbs./hp.
  • 120 hp: 12.5 lbs./hp.
  • 130 hp: 11.5 lbs./hp.
Limit Load Factors +4.4 / -2.2 G
CG Limits 20-32% Wing Chord
Aerobatic Category
Basic Empty Weight 820 lbs
Max Gross Weight 1230 lbs
Baggage (Max) None
Useful Load (Including Fuel) 410 lbs
Wing Loading 11.8 lbs./sq. ft.
Power Loading
  • 100 hp: 12.3 lbs./hp.
  • 120 hp: 10.25 lbs./hp.
  • 130 hp: 9.5 lbs./hp.
Limit Load Factors +6 / -3 G
CG Limits 23-29% Wing Chord
Aerobatic Category (Limited)
Basic Empty Weight 820 lbs
Max Gross Weight 1340 lbs
Baggage (Max) 40 lbs. (or BRS installation)
Useful Load (Including Fuel) 520 lbs
Wing Loading 12.9 lbs./sq. ft.
Power Loading
  • 100 hp: 13.4 lbs./hp.
  • 120 hp: 11.2 lbs./hp.
  • 130 hp: 10.3 lbs./hp.
Limit Load Factors +5.5 / -2.5 G
CG Limits 23-29% Wing Chord

* Sonex Highwing features easily interchangeable wing tips for different span configurations.

Sonex Highwing is designed to take advantage of the new FAA MOSAIC rules for Light Sport Aircraft!

Specifications & Performance Subject to Change Without Notice.