Sonex Aircraft B-Models: More of What You Want
The Bottom Line: What Will My B-Model Cost? |
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About the Aircraft
WAIEX (pronounced "Y-X") is simply a Y-tail Sonex. Built purely for it's good looks and as an homage to earlier John Monnett designs such as the Moni and Monex Racer, the Waiex specifications and performance numbers are identical to those of the Sonex and, like the Sonex, is perfectly suited to the US Sport Pilot/LSA regulations. The Waiex retains the same superb Sonex flight characteristics and high performance in all phases of flight, including aerobatics.
If you're looking for the ultimate high-performance recreational aircraft with maximum ramp-appeal, the Waiex is for you.
About the B‑Models
What is the B-Model? It’s what you’ve been asking for! More of everything you want in a sport aircraft:
Room to Share!
Sonex, Waiex and Xenos B-Models are enlarged via straightening of the forward fuselage sides, and feature improved creature comforts:
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Glass it Up!
| The enlarged B-Model instrument panel offers plenty of space for today’s popular dual-screen avionics installations (MGL iEFIS Explorer 8.5” displays shown here) with room to spare. |
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Stretch Your Legs!
| The new B-Model fuel tank holds 20 US gallons – a 4-gallon increase over the original Sonex, Waiex and Xenos with a range increase of over 130 miles! |
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Horses for Courses...
| A new Universal Cowl is designed to fit many popular engine options. Builders can experience the same great firewall-forward support for AeroVee/AeroVee Turbo and Jabiru engines, and in addition, B-Model engine mounts are available for UL Power UL260 and 350 series, and Rotax 912 series engines. Read More about Engine Options |
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Build it Quicker, Build it Better!
Sonex and Waiex B-Model kits come with more of what you need to finish your aircraft in the shortest time possible, with higher-quality results:
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Best Part of a Sonex: The Way it Flies!
The best part of a Sonex Aircraft is the way it flies, and the B-Model generation of aircraft is no-exception!
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The Next Generation
B-Models have completely replaced the original Sonex, Waiex & Xenos in the Sonex Aircraft product lineup.
- Original model Sonex, Waiex and Xenos Sub-Kits will still be available to those needing to complete their existing projects.
- All original Sonex, Waiex and Xenos aircraft will continue to receive full support, including legacy parts availability, if registered with Sonex Aircraft. As demand for legacy parts decreases, lead times may increase.
- Original Sonex plans will still be available for scratch building.
- Read our B-Model Frequently Asked Questions
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Specifications
| Seats: | 2 |
| Length: | 18' 1" |
| Wing Span: | 22' |
| Wing Area: | 98.0 sq. ft. |
| Tail Configuration: | Y-tail |
| Tail Height (Std Gear): | 51" |
| Tail Height (Tri-Gear): | 69" |
| Tail Width--with tail tips: | 88" |
| Main Gear Width: | 71" (with wheel pants) |
| Air Foil: | 64-415 |
| Primary Structure: | 6061-T6 aluminum |
| Cockpit Width (entire cockpit!): | 40" |
| Fuel Capacity: | 20 US Gal. |
| Stall Speed (full flaps): | 40 mph [64 km/h] |
| Stall Speed (clean): | 46 mph [74 km/h] |
| Max Flap Extended Speed (Vfe): | 100 mph [161 km/h] |
| Maneuvering Speed: | 125 mph [201 km/h] |
| Never Exceed Speed (Vne): | 197 mph [317 km/h] |
| Performance | AeroVee 80hp | Jabiru 120 hp |
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| Empty Weight | 620 lbs. | 620 lbs. |
| Range (1) | 687 miles | 687 miles |
| Cruise Speed @ Sea Level* | 130 mph | 135 mph |
| Cruise Speed @ 8000 ft (TAS) | 150 mph | 170 mph |
| Power Loading (GW/HP) | 13.125 | 9.583 |
| T.O. Distance | 400 ft | 250 ft |
| Landing Distance | 500 ft | 500 ft |
| Service Ceiling (calculated) | 16,000 ft | 23,000 ft |
| Utility Category | AeroVee 80hp | Jabiru 120 hp |
| Gross Weight (2) | 1100 lbs | 1150 lbs |
| Baggage (Max) | 40 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Useful Load | 480 lbs | 530 lbs |
| Rate of Climb | 500-900 fpm | 1000-1400 fpm |
| Positive Load Factor | +4.4 Gs | +4.4 Gs |
| Negative Load Factor | -2.2 Gs | -2.2 Gs |
| L/D | 11:1 | 11:1 |
| CG Limits | 20-32% Wing Chord | 20-32% Wing Chord |
| Aerobatic Category | AeroVee 80hp | Jabiru 120 hp |
| Gross Weight - Aerobatic | 950 lbs | 950 lbs |
| Baggage (Max) | 10 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Rate of Climb | 1000-1100 fpm | 1500-2000 fpm |
| Positive Load Factor | +6.0 Gs | +6.0 Gs |
| Negative Load Factor | -3.0 Gs | -3.0 Gs |
| CG Limits | 23-29% Wing Chord | 23-29% Wing Chord |
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*Note: All Models meet FAA Sport Pilot Regulations at maximum continuous power at Sea Level, as required. Read More...
(1) Conservative, low altitude calculation: 130 mph TAS @ 34.375 mpg. At 8,000' AeroVee powered Sonex/Waiex can acheive 150 mph TAS @ 42 mpg.
Specifications subject to change without notice. |
What Will My Project Cost?
See detailed pricing below with our cost estimating worksheet* and see why Sonex aircraft offer the Best Sport Aircraft Performance Per Dollar!
Item | Price: Waiex-B | |
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| Complete Airframe Kit (1) | $33,750 | |
| Hardware (2) | Included | |
| AeroVee Engine (3) | $11,300 | |
| Engine Options (4) | $806 | |
| FWF/Misc. (5) | $554 | |
| Instruments (6) | $2,200 | |
| Propeller | $1,389 | |
| Upholstery (7) | $1,090 | |
| Total: | $51,089 | |
*This chart / worksheet is provided to help you calculate an estimated finished cost of your airplane. While these finished costs are accurate as of the date of publication, they are not guaranteed. Some of the items needed to finish your aircraft are not provided by Sonex.
All Prices Subject to Change without notice.
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Available Waiex-B Configurations
| Landing Gear: |
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| Controls: |
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| Engines: |
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Sport Acro Ailerons
All Sonex and Waiex kits come with the option to build either the original "standard length" ailerons, or longer Sport Acro ailerons. Sport Acro ailerons will increase your Sonex or Waiex roll rate from approx. 80 degrees per second to approx. 120 degrees per second at 125 mph. There is no need to designate either aileron option when placing your kit order, all kits come with aileron skin and flap skin stock long-enough to build either option, and all the extra flap and aileron ribs required for either option.
To accommodate the longer ailerons, the aircraft flaps are shortened by one flap rib bay. The effect on Vso stall speed is barley perceptible, however, adding only about 2 mph to the aircraft's stall speed with flaps extended.
Although the Sport Acro ailerons are longer, the aircraft's control harmony does not change and the aircraft does not become difficult to handle. The stick forces required to roll the aircraft at a given rate do not change until exceeding 80 degrees per second -- it just takes a little more stick force to get full deflection of the aileron in the range of 80-120 degrees per second.
Sonex, LLC now offers more options than ever before for building your dream! Options ranging from advanced Quick Build Kits to individual Sub-Kits are available to suit your construction skills, time and budget. Read more about each option by following the links below:
Complete Airframe Kits
The Fastest, Most Economical way to Kit Build!
Receive Everything in One Complete Kit Package!
Get the Maximum Discounts and Incentives, and Pay Less for Shipping!
Quick Build Kits
Save an enormous amount of time building your Sonex Aircraft with the fastest build kit possible within the bounds of EAB homebuilding rules!
Includes pre-built Fuselage, Wings and Installed Canopy!
Sonex Aircraft Sub-Kits
Build a Sonex Aircraft Kit in Sections: Tail, Fuselage, Wing, Controls, and Landing Gear/Engine Configuration Kits Available!
Amortize your kit costs without using financing!
Propeller options for Waiex-B
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Sensenich Props Available starting at: $1,389. Read More about Sonex Aircraft Propeller Options |
Instrument Options for Waiex-B
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Flight Data & Engine Monitoring Instrument Packages Available starting at: $1,363.50. Read More about Sonex Instrument Options |
Upholstery Options for Waiex-B
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B-Model Upholstery Packages Available starting at: $1,090. Read More about Sonex Upholstery Options |
Engine Options for Waiex-B
Engine mounts are available for listed engines, and B-Model cowlings are designed to fit all of them! FWF installation instructions and support are available from Sonex for AeroVee and Jabiru engines, UL Power installation support is available from UL Power North America, and there are vast resources available worldwide for Rotax support.
Customers may optionally install any engine in the 80-130 hp range, with a firewall-forward installation weight not-to-exceed 200 lbs. You may opt to remove engine mounts and cowlings from your kit order to accommodate a custom installation.
Read More about Sonex Engine Options
Take the Waiex-B for a Spin!
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Rotate the Waiex-B model with your mouse or track pad to see every angle of the aircraft! Note: Please be patient while all images load for the best experience |
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The B-Models first began development in the Sonex Aircraft Hornets' Nest R&D Center in the Fall of 2015 and the B-Model Sonex and Waiex aircraft were announced in February 2016 with the B-Model Xenos being announced in January, 2017. See the B-Model News & Development Archive for all the developments along the way and any recent B-Model news! |
| SubScribe to the B-Model Mailing List! |
Sonex Aircraft's Waiex, Xenos and SubSonex aircraft models all share a very special feature: the Y-Tail! The Y-Tail is our unique version of the V-tail that many pilots are familiar with. What makes it a Y-Tail? The rudder! Y-Tails feature not-only a V-tail set of mixed rudder and elevator controls, but also a small rudder at the base of the tail, changing the shape of the V-tail to resemble the letter "Y." Y-Tails not-only make Waiex, Xenos and SubSonex aircraft look cool, but they also offer superior handling vs. conventional V-tails, offer a simple way to drive tailwheel steering, and gives the exhaust of the SubSonex turbojet engine a place to go. The Y-Tail's rudder gives the configuration enhanced rudder authority and stability vs. a conventional V-tail -- you need a rear-view mirror to tell whether you're flying a Sonex or a Waiex! So what makes a Y-Tail work? Kitplanes editor, Xenos and SubSonex builder Paul Dye recently posted an explanation and videos of the Y-Tail in-action to his Kitplanes blog -- Check it Out! Why a Y-Tail? Why Not?
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Waiex B-Model
Waiex B-Model
Fun: Defined!
More Cockpit and Panel Space
More Cockpit and Panel Space
More Cockpit and Panel Space
More Cockpit and Panel Space
B-Model Dual-Screen MGL iEFIS Explorer Panel
B-Model Features: Seat Back Moved Aft While Retaining Rollover Structure
Engine Installations: AeroVee/AeroVee Turbo
Engine Installations: Jabiru/CAMit 3300
Engine Installations: UL Power 260 & 350 Series
Engine Installations: Rotax 912 Series
Optional Dual Sticks Available
More Fuel
B-Model Features: Easy-Fitting Horizontal Split Cowling
B-Model Features: Simplified Engine Mount Attachment
B-Model Features: Machined Canopy and Windshield Bows
B-Model Features: Machined Canopy and Windshield Bows
B-Model Features: Popular Canopy Latch "Second Notch" for Cool Taxiing
B-Model Features: Popular Canopy Latch "Second Notch" for Cool Taxiing
B-Model AeroVee Turbo Installation
B-Model AeroVee Turbo Installation
Sensenich is the official prop manufacturer for Sonex Aircraft
B-Model Features: Super-Clean AeroConversions AeroBrakes Installation
B-Model Features: Easy-Handling Sonex Direct-Steering Tailwheel
B-Model kits, ready to ship!
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Waiex B-Model Prototype: The Spirit of Red One
Kitplanes May, 2017 B-Model Cover
Sport Aviation May, 2017 B-Model Feature