The SubSonex Air Show, flown by performer Bob Carlton, will make its worldwide debut at the 2015 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo.
Scheduled to perform Tuesday April 21, and Sunday, April 26, the SubSonex airshow routine will feature maneuvers previously unheard of in a jet aerobatic routine, according to officials with Sonex Aircraft.
“The SubSonex microjet is capable of speeds of 300 mph,” said Carlton, “and can perform all the classic aerobatics, including maneuvers like tail slides, normally considered taboo in a jet. But it’s not just about high speed. With its incredibly wide speed range, the SubSonex can turn tight and stay close so that air how spectators aren’t waiting for a turnaround.”
Although Carlton has previously demonstrated the SubSonex before crowds at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with some low passes, this will be the debut of a fully-aerobatic, full-length routine in the aircraft.
Carlton will perform his routine in a stock SubSonex JSX-2 Personal Jet. The SubSonex is available as a kit aircraft from Sonex Aircraft, and the first seven customer kits were delivered in early 2015, with production slots still open for delivery by year-end. The microjet is powered by the PBS TJ-100 engine, producing 247 pounds of thrust. The jet features fully retractable landing gear, a BRS full-aircraft recovery parachute, higher fuel capacity in a rotationally molded cross-linked polyethylene fuel cell, and removable wings.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt3eM-ETSs4&w=560&h=315]
Sold only as a Quick Build Kit, the SubSonex includes almost everything required to fly with the exception of avionics and paint, company officials note.
Available options for the SubSonex Personal Jet include MGL iEFIS touchscreen avionics, a Mountain High oxygen system, Aveo PowerBurst LED position and strobe lighting, heated leather upholstery, cabin heat, and a Triton TC 167 enclosed trailer modified to transport the SubSonex. Transition Training is available via the Desert Aerospace BonusJet program, and the Sonex Aircraft T-Flight Transition Training program.
Along with the debut of the SubSonex Air Show, Sonex Aircraft returns to SUN ‘n FUN as an exhibitor — the first time since 2006. Sonex’s exhibit will feature the AeroVee Turbo powered Sonex Sport Acro, along with the SubSonex. Several forums will be given during the show, including a forum for prospective SubSonex Personal Jet owners on Friday, April 24.