Posted on 05/27/2013 11:06:28 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Since 1998, they have introduced a range or piston driven light aircraft that have proven popular with kit enthusiasts -- the two-place Sonex, Y-tail Waiex and the Onex single-seater.
Now they've unveiled the jet-powered SubSonex.
The "pre-prototype" SubSonex JSX-1 has been flying since August, 2011. It looks like its piston relatives, except that instead of a propeller, a surprisingly compact PBS TJ-100 turbojet engine is mounted on the top rear of the fuselage, directly in front of the distinctive Waiex Y tail.
The TJ-100 puts out only 247 pounds of thrust, but that's enough to propel this tiny 400 lb aircraft through the air with decent performance. Upon takeoff, the JSX-1 is capable of climbing 2,000 ft/min at 140 mph. Its cruise speed is 170 mph, while its Vne is 197 mph - the same as its piston-powered siblings.
(VIDEO-AT-LINK)
Test pilot Jim Carlton eloquently outlines how flying a very small jet differs from a prop aircraft in an article for AOPA Pilot Magazine: "In essence, flying a small jet is like driving a car that only has fifth gear. Don’t expect jackrabbit starts. However, unlike a propeller—which loses thrust with increasing airspeed—the jet just continues to push. Its thrust even increases slightly with speed. The takeoff roll begins at a stately pace, but increases steadily to a rotation speed of 80 mph, at which time you become fully aware of the diminutive four-inch main wheels and lack of spring suspension. A slight pull on the side stick and you’re airborne.
With no pounding pistons, pulsing prop, or propeller slipstream, the instant transformation from an overspeeding wagon to intense smooth is nothing short of inspirational. The acceleration continues, quickly pushing the little craft to its best climb speed of 140 mph. A little nose up and she’s rocketing skyward at nearly 2,000 feet per minute. Raising the nose gear further enhances the silky smooth ride. Once airborne, there are no surprises. With the SubSonex’s light weight, ample control surfaces, and short wings, handling is understandably sporty, but not twitchy. With the pilot’s full-forward position and no engine or propeller up front, visibility through the bubble canopy is superb. With a good noise-cancelling headset, the experience is a bit glider-like, except for the speed and climb rate."
The prototype flight test program was promising, but there were a number of things the designers wanted to change. The most glaring issue was the cockpit, which measured 24" at the pilot's shoulders but tapered to a mere 20" at the control panel. A second prototype is already under construction with a cockpit that measures 24" wide throughout. The new shape will improve the appearance of the nose, which will be extended and taper more gently. They plan on replacing the manually retractable nosewheel with electrically retractable nose and wing gear. A ballistic parachute will be installed immediately behind the cockpit, eliminating the need for the pilot to wear one during flight.
Of course, jets burn more fuel than piston aircraft, especially at low altitude. The Subsonex is no different - it consumes 18 gph at 10,000 ft. With a 40 gallon tank, that should give you enough fuel for a 350 mile trip with a VFR reserve.
While the Sonex team is obviously excited about this little aircraft, they have no plans to put the aircraft into production quite yet. Their immediate goal is to complete the new JSX-2 prototype and put it through its paces in the air. If they're happy, SubSonex kits could eventually hit the market for as little as $60,000.
Simply awesome!
It reminds me of the manned doodlebug project from Germany in WWII.
Too cool.
Bumper sticker: “My other car is a SubSonex JSX-2.”
Hoodathunk a gyno was ... and would have in his waiting room ... aviation literature.
I've been a wannabe ever since.
I once had my heart set on on RANS S-11 PURSUIT ... until Randy crashed a couple of prototypes and the concept was scrapped .... by my ... what a sweet lookin' machine that was.
Nor very practicle!
I had a piston 6 place single that cruised at 204 mph on 17 gal. of gas had a 1200 pound payload with full fuel and a range of 1200 miles with IFR reserves.
Prop Sonex is probably the best all-metal little sporty plane for it’s money.
I have always thought it’s tail design was asking for a He-162 jet like that.
>>>Nor very practicle!
I had a piston 6 place single that cruised at 204 mph on 17 gal. of gas had a 1200 pound payload with full fuel and a range of 1200 miles with IFR reserves.<<<
Of course it’s not. But who cares? It is cool, anyway:)
Only doctors, lawyers, business owners and trust-funders can afford their own planes from what I’ve been told. My first wife worked for an insurance mogul and he could barely afford a new aircraft.
Hate the wing span, hate the cockpit.
I’d want slightly longer wingspan and more sweep.
24” narrowing to 20”??
I’m not a big guy but I’m thinking 4” more all the way.
But, now that I’ve voiced my opinion and consider the vehicle. It is story, like a sports car and carries characteristic dimensions .
Love the jet.
I’d mod the gas tank for maybe 10 or 20 gallons.
Just noticed the tail. Guess the wing won’t need more sweep all
http://airsport.com/homebuilt.ihtml
At the time, you could build a reasonable three axis for less than an automobile. They're STILL about the same (of COURSE yo u can spend more ... ) as a new car.
Now all we need to do is get Obama to take a test-flight.
yeah, I was thinking that too. What is that range, about a 2 hour hop ?
I thought you meant a $60,000 Gulfstream or Learjet. False advertising!
A close childhood friend of mine started a successful business. His private plane was his pride and joy, right up until something went wrong and he hit power lines. He and his passenger were killed. It ended what little interest I had in private planes.
Yup, the renowned Bede5 running off an APU jet engine.
It was designed for a prop engine that never went into production. What is it they say about new airframes and new engines?
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