8 Vol.3 No.9 / September 2014
FLIGHTLINE
NEWLY FORMED MVP.AERO unveiled a full-scale mock-up and an
ambitious plan to create the MVP (Most Versatile Airplane), a
"triphibian" light-sport aircraft (LSA) capable of operating on
land, water, or snow and ice, while doubling as a platform for
boating, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The privately funded, Delaware-based MVP.aero plans to
of er the MVP initially as an experimental amateur-built kit,
then as an experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), and lastly
as a manufactured special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) on a
rough timetable of three, four, and fi ve years, respectively.
A Rotax 912/914 will serve as the launch engine for the
MVP. No avionics package has yet been selected. The target
useful load is 450 pounds, and the company points to design
features that will create numerous weight-saving opportunities
and enable the MVP to meet LSA weight limits. The company
set a target price of $169,000 for the experimental version and
$189,000 for the S-LSA. It hopes to have a prototype fl ying in 18
to 24 months.
Information at
www.mvp.aero .
First LSA 'Triphib'
EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER
Sonex Aircraft of Oshkosh unveiled its
AeroVee turbocharged engine and pro-
vided updates on its SubSonex
personal jet program during the
company's annual EAA AirVenture
open house.
The turbo AeroVee ups the power of
the kit engine from 80 hp to 100 hp, which,
according to Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett,
would outperform engines rated 120 hp, or
approaching 130 hp. It increases climb rate
by 200 to 300 feet per minute and cruise
speed by 25 mph when the engine is oper-
ated conservatively.
Priced at $10,995, an upgrade package
for normally aspirated AeroVees (500-700
currently in service) costs $3,995. Deliver-
ies are scheduled to begin in the fourth
quarter of this year.
Sonex President John Monnett dis-
cussed developments in the SubSonex jet
program. An updated prototype, the JSX-2,
is powered by the PBS TJ 100 turbojet en-
gine and features a larger cockpit. Fuel ca-
pacity has been increased to 40 gallons us-
able, giving the aircraft a range of about 500
miles with reserves. Price for a quick-build
SubSonex kit is $130,000, with a $5,000
option for additional assistance for aircraft
registered in the experimental exhibition
category, which obviates the 51 percent rule
for experimental aircraft construction.
More information at
www.aeroconver
sions.com/products/aerovee/
and www.
sonexaircraft.com/research/subsonex.html
.
Sonex Unveils AeroVee Turbo, SubSonex Plans
SAFE FLIGHT INSTRUMENT CORP. displayed its new SCx angle of
attack (AOA) system designed for a range of homebuilt and gen-
eral aviation airplanes. The system uses Safe Flight's leading
edge lift transducer to measure AOA across the operating range
of airplane weight, fl ap position, and airspeed. Most impor-
tantly, the SCx accurately measures AOA during uncoordinated
fl ight, which some other AOA systems can't do.
The SCx is a two-box system with no plumbing. The vane is
mounted on the leading edge, and a single electric cable runs to
the indicator. All cables and hardware are included.
Priced at $1,495, it's available now for installation in ex-
perimentals, and Safe Flight hopes to have FAA approval for
certifi cated airplanes as soon as possible.
More info at
www.safefl ight.com/products/aoa-stall-warning .
New AOA From Safe Flight
Photography by James Wynbrandt