Sonex Aircraft has unveiled its latest aircraft development project: Sonex and Waiex B-Models.
“What is the B-Model?” asks Sonex designer and founder John Monnett. “It’s what you’ve been asking for. More of everything you want in a sport aircraft: More room and comfort, more panel space, more fuel, more engine choices, and more standard features combined with reduced build time and the same great Sonex and Waiex flight characteristics.”
Sonex and Waiex B-Models have been enlarged by straightening of the forward fuselage sides, and feature improved creature comforts:
- More width and comfort at the shoulders, hips, knees and feet.
- Seat back is moved aft, and new seat geometry accommodates taller individuals.
- Staggered seating is available via upholstery seat back cushions.
- Center “Y-Stick” offers dual controls with easier cockpit entry and roomier seating.
- Electric flaps reduce cockpit clutter and dual throttles are standard.
The enlarged B-Model instrument panel offers plenty of space for today’s dual-screen avionics installations, company officials noted.
The new B-Model fuel tank holds 20 US gallons, a four-gallon increase over the original Sonex and Waiex.
Sonex Aircraft is expanding engine options with the Sonex and Waiex B-Models, offering the same firewall-forward support for AeroVee/AeroVee Turbo and Jabiru/CAMit 3300 engines, while adding engine mount options for UL Power 350i, 350is, and Rotax 912-series engines. A new universal cowl is designed to fit all four options.
B-Model kits will ship with more standard features, and will require less build time, company officials added. Assembled Wing Spars and Machined Angle Components are now standard.
Upgrades and accessories such as the AeroBrake Hydraulic Brakes, dual AeroConversions Throttle Quadrants, and AeroConversions Trim System are now included.
Build time improvements include more laser-cut, formed and machined parts, machined canopy bows for easier installation with a better fit, an easy-fitting horizontal-split cowl, and engine mounts that bolt quickly and accurately to the airframe, officials noted.
B-Models will replace the original model Sonex and Waiex in the Sonex Aircraft product lineup.
New Sonex and Waiex original model kits will only be available for a limited time, however original model sub-kits will still be available to those needing to complete existing projects and legacy service parts will still be produced according to demand, according to company officials. The original model Sonex plans will still be available to scratch builders.
B-Models will only be available in kit form.
Sonex and Waiex B-Model kits will be offered at an introductory price of $23,000 and refundable Kit Reservation Deposits are now available at $1,000 per reservation. Deposit holders will be placed in line for B-Model kit delivery slots according to date and time of deposit.
B-Model kit deliveries are estimated to begin in June.
Customers seeking the earliest shipping opportunities may purchase a B-Model Tail Kit with their Kit Reservation Deposit, and they will be moved to the front of the line. Tail Kits will begin shipping in March.
I too was considering building a Waiex until it became apparent from watching all the videos that the cockpit was cramped with two adults jammed together at the shoulders with little or no wiggle room. I will now reevaluate the B-Model in light of widening the cockpit and adding the other positive features. I’m also interested in knowing the cause of the tragic accident.
Bravo Sonex!
I was seriously considering building a Waiex until I had the opportunity to get into one.
My evaluation was that it was way too small and tight to enjoy comfortable extended cross country flights.
My plan was to replace my Grumman American AA1 two seat aircraft because I desired a bigger cockpit. The standard size Waiex did not accomplish this goal.
As a result, it is nice to see that Sonex is making advances and improvements in this area.
Wouldn’t it be nice to take it a step further and offer a 4 place kit someday?