OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — It's time to channel your inner Maverick and buzz the tower in your own personal jet.
Sonex is finally selling the tiny single-seat jet we've been telling you about for a few years. It's the real deal, a machine capable of doing well over 200 mph and cruising at 180. The downside? It costs $125,000 and some assembly is required.
The company, based in Oshkosh, made the announcement at the big Airventure show that's taken over the airport for a week. The jet started as a pet project of Sonex founder John Monett who's always wanted a personal jet. This thing is tiny, with a wingspan of just 18 feet and a maximum weight of 900 pounds. The itty-bitty jet engine produces 257 pounds of thrust.
Sonex is offering the SubSonex JSX-2 as a "ultra-quick build kit" with many major assemblies already completed. To comply with a Federal Aviation Administration rule requiring the owner to build at least 51 percent of a homebuilt airplane, the buyer will install the engine, fuel system, retractable landing gear, avionics and interior.
In the end the airplane will be operated under the FAA's "exhibition" category. This somewhat limits when and where the plane can be flown, but Monett says the airplane is simple to fly and most pilots will need minimal training to make the transition to personal jet flight. Cruise speed of the JSX-2 is 180 miles per hour at sea level and the airplane burns about 18 gallons of jet fuel per hour, providing a range of more than 300 miles.
No word yet on the final price, but the first 10 people to place a deposit get an introductory price of $125,000. Sonex hopes to make the first kit deliveries in mid-2014.
