Sonex Says 'Great Progress' Is Being Made

Sonex Aircraft is pleased to report on the preliminary results of our testing with a liquid cooling system for the AeroVee Turbo’s turbocharger bearing block.

Summary of system and testing results:

-Max bearing block temperatures of approximately 211 degrees – a dramatic 118 degrees F reduction in maximum bearing block temperatures from the original AeroVee Turbo configuration (an approx. 60 degree reduction in temperatures from the current configuration per ACV-SB091616-1B and current AeroVee Turbo installation manuals).
-Total system weight under 5 lbs with coolant.
-Radiator location is flexible for tighter installations such as the Onex or Legacy Sonex Aircraft.

There have been some issues that have led to modifications in the system. They are outlined in detail in the full report linked below.

After some more testing, including resumption of flight testing (water cooled system has been ground tested only so-far, and ground testing does yield higher engine temperatures with reduced airflow through the cowling), Sonex Aircraft plans to offer this system to the public as soon as possible. A bill of materials will be made available for those wishing to source materials for the modification on their own at the best prices they can find, and Sonex will offer system components at minimal cost to customers. The company plans to offer more test data as it is collected, and more details about the system will be offered once it’s ready for release.

(Image provided with Sonex news release)

FMI: Full Report