Sonex Aircraft has completed the initial series of flight tests of the SubSonex JSX-2 personal jet, flying the diminutive single-seater for the first time on July 10 from the company’s home base in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, ahead of its public debut later this month at AirVenture.
“Its flight characteristics can be summed up in two words: fast and smooth,” said JSX-2 test pilot Bob Carlton. “She handles great and climbs well.”
The JSX-2 is a refined version of the original proof-of-concept aircraft, the JSX-1. Powered by a single PBS TJ-100 engine producing 250 pounds of thrust, the production version features a larger cockpit and instrument panel, retractable landing gear, a BRS full-aircraft recovery parachute, more fuel capacity and removable wings.
A second test flight of the JSX-2 checked the function of the landing gear and explored higher speed ranges above 170 knots, while a third flight explored handling characteristics at moderate speeds and even included a series of barrel rolls. “She’s similar enough to JSX-1 that I’m feeling pretty comfortable, even with the limited total flight time,” Carlton said.
More test flights have been conducted since the maiden trip aloft in preparation for demonstration fly-bys at the Oshkosh Airshow the week of July 28.
Sonex will begin taking firm orders for the JSX-2 kit soon, with deliveries slated to start later this year. The jet will be sold as a quick build kit for a price of $135,000 including the engine and most all other components required to fly, with the exception of avionics and paint. Available options include cabin heat, oxygen, MGL iEFIS touchscreen, and more.
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