Onex Prototype Flies - Reveals V-Dub Paradise!
Monday, January 31, 2011 at 09:34PM Previous Onex post:
Can the Onex (1X) From Sonex Save General Aviation In America?
First flight of the Sonex Aircraft 'Onex' took place on January 27, 2011 (photos: Sonex)
(6 pix and 1 video)
Looking and feeling like a sport fighter, the Onex single seat VW powered homebuilt prototype made its first flight out of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on January 27, 2011. The enthusiastic thumbs up from Sonex CEO, Onex designer, and first-flight test pilot Jeremy Monnett revealed that the initial impressions are already living up to the expectations of many, including me. The little all-aluminum LSA has the added benefit of wings that can be folded very easily to allow for a quick and simple way to store the aircraft in a really small space. In my opinion, the 80hp AeroVee Volkswagen powered Onex ushers in a new world of VW powered paradise for homebuilders. Never before has such a simple, clean and great performing airframe been mated to the simple and efficient VW based engine. I'm predicting a real V-dub paradise with this airplane! Watch the first flight video below and listen to how strong that AeroVee sounds!
I also made a bold claim that the Onex just might be able to save General Aviation as we seem to be stumbling into an uncertain future for flying in America. Whether this affordable, easy-to-build, VW powered sportster that has great lines can really have a direct impact on the larger world of GA is uncertain, but I can say with a great deal of confidence that this airplane holds greater promise to draw more people into sport flying than anything we've seen a quite a while.
I'm signed up to participate in the EAA webinar on the Onex taking place on Wednesday, February 2nd at 7pm Central Time. You can expect a more detailed post to follow soon with more info on how the Onex program is developing and how long before kits for this ticket to V-dub paradise will be available for purchase. Stay tuned : )
Onex piloted by Jeremy Monnett takes off for the first time in Oshkosh, WI
Onex displays sport-fighter proportions that seem to spell F-U-N!
Exposed VW valve covers on the Onex tip the hat to the J-3 Cub
Jeremy Monnett and John Monnett share a happy handshake after the Onex first flight
Simple wing folding mechanism makes the Onex very easy to store
Reader Comments (3)
Likey,likey. Maybe after the Double Eagle gets old.
I specifically waited for the Onex to come out before committing to a build...I love it! The cash is in the bank just waiting to be sent to Mr. Monnett in the U.S. I also signed up for the webinar, unfortunately I am in North Queensland Australia (Cairns) and we are about 6 hours from the biggest recorded cyclone in our history. Expecting 200mph+ winds...so please give my apologies if I am unable to log on....
The Onex webinar was well done and offered up some additional interesting info on this sweet little Sport Fighter... you can check out the webinar for yourself at the EAA Webinar Archive