Sonex Shares Progress on Highwing Development

Sonex updated via webinar on its Highwing development, with a plan to debut the prototype at EAA AirVenture 2023.

Friday, February 10, 2023 at 04:42 PM ET

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The Sonex Highwing features a cantilever wing and center section enabling the Lexan polycarbonite windshield to remain a feature. (Sonex Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Sonex is actively developing its new Highwing aircraft, designed to attract a broader market, including pilots who prefer high-wing designs, older builders, and those seeking easier access and more cockpit room, emphasizing aerobatic capabilities and higher cruise speeds over STOL.
The Highwing features a cantilever wing and monocoque fuselage, prioritizing affordability, ease of build, and practical aspects such as increased useful load, cockpit space, and options for auxiliary fuel and a ballistic recovery parachute system.
Sonex plans to offer the Highwing as traditional and quick-build kits, with future options for ELSA (Experimental Light Sport Aircraft) and SLSA (Special Light Sport Aircraft) versions, aiming to cater to both amateur builders and the flight training market.
Targeting light sport category conformance with an empty weight goal of 720 pounds, the prototype is expected to debut at EAA AirVenture 2023 and will support various engine options.

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With a development timeline stretching back to 2010, the Sonex Highwing has made significant progress in development since it was announced in August 2021.

In a webinar delivered on Tuesday, Mark Schaible, president and owner of Sonex, outlined in great detail just how far along the company is in bringing the prototype—and eventual kits—to life. Schaible also explained the desire to create ELSA and SLSA versions, in addition to traditional plans and quick-build kits.