The Sonex And Waiex Model B Airplanes have now been joined by the B-Model Xenos Motorglider

Sonex Aircraft has just announced their new Xenos B-Model aircraft kit! Sonex says the Xenos-B combines all of the enhancements of the Sonex and Waiex B-Models with the motorglider performance and value of the Xenos. The Xenos-B is available to order now, with a Complete Airframe Kit base price of $27,495. Kit shipments are estimated to begin in March of this year.

"We're very excited to bring the huge improvements of the Sonex and Waiex B-Models to the Xenos motorglider," writes Sonex Aircraft General Manager Mark Schaible. "This change has been requested by many prospective Xenos Motorglider customers and brings all of our two-place aircraft up to the same enhanced B-Model specification. B-Model fuselage changes for the Xenos also bring expanded payload opportunities to the Teros UAV program, which we are continually developing in-conjunction with Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation."

Xenos B-Model enhancements include:

• More Room and Comfort.
• Sonex and Waiex B-Models are enlarged via straightening of the forward fuselage sides, and feature improved creature comforts.
• More width and comfort at the shoulders, hips, knees and feet.
• Seat back is moved aft, and new seating geometry accommodates taller individuals. Staggered seating is available via upholstery seat back cushions.
• Center “Y-Stick” offers dual controls with easier cockpit entry and roomier seating.
• The enlarged B-Model instrument panel offers plenty of space for today’s popular dual-screen avionics installations (including the MGL iEFIS Explorer 8.5” displays) with room to spare.

More Engine Options:

• A new Universal Cowl is designed to fit many popular engine options. Builders can experience the same great firewall-forward support for AeroVee/AeroVee Turbo and Jabiru engines, and in addition, B-Model engine mounts are available for UL Power and Rotax 912-series engines.

More Fuel:

• The new B-Model fuel tank holds 20 US gallons – a 4-gallon increase over the original Xenos!

More Standard Features and Less Build Time:

• Xenos B-Model kits come with more of what builders need to finish their aircraft in the shortest time possible.
• Machined Angle Components Included.
• AeroBrake Hydraulic Brakes Included.
• Dual Throttle Quadrants Included.
• AeroConversions Trim System Included.
• ABS Molded Cockpit Side Panels, Cable and Pushrod Fairings Included.
• Precision-molded cowling is installed quickly and easily.
• Engine mount bolts quickly and accurately to the airframe.
• More laser-cut, formed and machined parts to reduce fabrication time and ease construction.
• Machined Canopy Bows for easier canopy installation with a perfect fit.

Sonex says the best part of a Sonex Aircraft is the way it flies, and the B-Model Xenos will be no-exception. Lightening the aircraft in key areas without sacrificing structural integrity gives the B-Model a very similar weight despite its larger size. Takeoff, climb, cruise, stall, and landing specifications are the same between B-Models and the original generation aircraft. More engine options with 100 hp or more offers more options for enhanced performance with a B-Model.

The Xenos can either be flown as a Sport Pilot/LSA, or it can be flown by pilots that hold a glider rating with a self-launch glider endorsement. The Xenos can be flown as a powered aircraft, a self-launched glider that soars with the engine off, or it can motor-soar over great distances with incredible fuel economy. The Xenos also comes standard with utility wing tips that can be easily removed to allow the aircraft to fit inside a 40 foot hangar, and can be quickly interchanged with optional aerobatic wingtips.

(Image provided by Sonex Aircraft)

FMI: www.SonexAircraft.com