Sonex has flown the prototype of the Onex, a single-place aerobatic kit LSA that also has folding wings. Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett, who is also the aircraft designer, did several laps around Wittman Regional Airport on Jan. 27 in what he described to onlookers as a “little fighter.” The leisurely test flight, which included a low and over, confirmed the aircraft’s light handling and agreeable flight characteristics. On landing, Monnett pronounced the aircraft “sweet” and said turns required no rudder input. He and his colleagues then folded the wings and tucked the aircraft back in the Sonex hangar.
With the wings folded, the plane will fit in the average residential garage (it needs a space seven feet high and about eight feet across). It’s designed to meet all the parameters for the light sport category. The aircraft uses an AeroVee Volkswagen conversion engine. The first prototype has conventional gear but a tricycle version will be tested next. Sonex and EAA are hosting a webinar on the aircraft Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. CST.
