Sonex Announces Plans To Develop A Line Of High-Wing Aircraft

Kit manufacturer Sonex Aircraft has announced it will develop a line of high-wing models, but don’t start clearing out space in your garage just yet. Sonex hopes to have the high-wing program on display and ready to take orders at the 2023 edition of AirVenture.

The company continues to focus its current energy on developing its two-seat SubSonex JSX-2T jet, which it hopes to have ready for prime time by next year’s AirVenture. As the home team based at Wittman Field in Oshkosh, Sonex has some flexibility when it comes to preparing to display at GA’s biggest show on earth.

The high-wing model will be available with a choice of conventional or Y-tail, as well as optional nose- or tailwheel. So, it’s really one basic design with four possible configurations.

Cantilever, high-wing aircraft with doors are new design territory for Sonex. While the Sonex party line is that the new designs are not meant to tap the popularity of STOL competitions and backcountry, gravel-bar flying, they admit they expect some builders will install floats, skis and big tires. But the larger goal of the program is, “We wanted to bring expanded utility and ease of pilot access to the existing Sonex mission of fun everyday local flying, aerobatics, and fuel-efficient and fast, long cross-countries to the high-wing world.”

Sonex even said it is mirroring the appeal of Steve Wittman’s classic Tailwind design, but in a more modern all-metal version. Pilots of the high-wing persuasion looking for efficient cross-country flying with the ability to operate from unimproved fields are the go-to target market.

Sonex’s plans for the sport-pilot-eligible (1,320-lb. max takeoff weight) high-wing Sonexes call for 20 gallons’ fuel capacity, with optional inboard aux tankage for 10 gallons more. With a 44-inch-wide cabin, it will be aerobatic, said Sonex (when flown solo at less than 1,050 pounds). And with removable outer wing panels, it can be towed to and from the airport with a trailer. Design plans call for engines of 100 HP or greater with a maximum firewall-forward installation weight of 200 pounds.