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Sonex-B / WAIEX-B BundlePublisher: Mountain Lion StudiosReview Author: Stuart McGregorSuggested Price: $24.95/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.png /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-01.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-02.jpgThe AircraftMountain Lion Studios have created apackage of both the Sonex-B and WAIEX-B light aircraft, and I havebeen lucky enough to get the opportunity to take them both for a spinin X-Plane 11. If you are not familiar with either of these aircraft, they arepart of the Sonex Aircraft family of kit aircraft retailing around the$42,000 mark if you would like to buy the real thing. Being designedfor the sport and recreational markets, they are of metalconstruction, have a low wing and two seats. They are known for beinglight, fast, very efficient and incredibly fun to fly. And here is thehook, in real life you can build one yourself! In this package youget two versions, the Sonex-B with the standard tail design, and WAIEX-Bwith its very distinctive Y-tail design. Within the package you also are provided with metallic andnon-metallic surface options, as well as standard tail dragger andtricycle landing gear, so six models and multiple paint configurationsto choose from. /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-03.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-04.jpgIn real life the Sonex-B and WAIEX-B have similar performance specswith a max cruise speed of 170 mph (270 km/hr) and a range of687 miles. If you go to theSonex web site,you can see all the various customisation options to choose from ifyou wish to build your own. Amazing to think you can build your ownaircraft for the same price as a family car. One thing I really did like is the fact that 100% of profits fromthe sale of the X-Plane version go to support giving at-risk youthopportunities in aviation. That is a nice touch, and if you would liketo do some good with your dollars, well worth considering. Initial ThoughtsI obtained my copy at the FlightSim.Com Store, and it is priced at$24.95 which is pretty decent in my opinion as you are gettingmultiple models for that price. After purchase, installation is extremely simple, just a case ofdrag and drop the version you prefer into your Aircraft folder. Thereare three options, Metal, Taildragger and Tricycle Gear. The Metal optionincludes the WAIEX variant as well. There is no documentation providedas far as I could tell, however unless you have never flown any typeof aircraft before, it won't take you long to work out what is what,as it is a very simple aircraft to understand. You can always activatethe click spots and instrument instructions from the main X-Plane menuif you would like a tour of all the features. /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-05.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-06.jpgOn The GroundWhen I first fired up one of the variants, my initial reaction wasthat it didn't quite look real, a bit too shiny, however when Isearched for a few pictures of the real thing, I was pleasantlysurprised to find it was a decent reflection of the realaircraft. Remember this is a kit aircraft that you could build in yourgarage if you had a big enough one, so don't expect all the relativerefinement of a Cessna or Piper. The external textures are quitebasic, however there are some nice touches like the dozens of rivets,and although it is perhaps not the most detailed exterior I have comeacross, nevertheless it is reasonably well done. I did enjoy the metaleffects, as you really do get a feel for the shine on the skinsurface. When you move inside after opening the panoramic canopy, theinternal textures are quite simple, although effective (the texture ontop of the glareshield is nice) and again what you would expect from akit aircraft. There is a rudimentary EFIS with artificial horizon andHorizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), speed and altitude indicators,as well as temperature readouts for the engine and exhausttemperatures, the engine rpm, barometer, ground speed and windinformation. On the right side of the panel there are several steamgauges also indicating everything from altitude to direction,airspeed, to engine rpm, oil temperature, fuel pressure and engine andexhaust temperatures, and all of these are active. On the left side ofthe panel, you will find the usual set of switches including thestarter, avionics, battery master, fuel pump as well as landing lightand nav lights. Here you will also find the pitch trim wheel, youcan't really miss that due to its size and color, and next to it theflaps up and down switch. A throttle handle is provided on each sideof the 2-man cockpit, a single control stick in the center as well asa single mixture control lever on the pilot side. One final thing tobe aware of is that if you plan to use any of these aircraft foraerobatics, a G Units gauge is provided, just to you can avoidblacking out or ripping the wings off. /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-07.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-08.jpgOne of the main things that did stand out is just how unobstructeda view you get from the pilot's seat. Other than the narrow windowframe, it is pretty much a clear view all round and perfect for headtrackers and even VR. No word if the aircraft was designed for use inVR, however I did try it at one point, and you get an impressiveall-round view with so much glass. When you fire up the engine, it does have a very nice grumble toit, and I believe the sounds have been taken from the real aircraft,with input from real Sonex pilots. On engine start I was able to use my Saitek panels with no fuss,everything worked with no need for any extra scripts, and although forthe life of me I couldn't find it, by assigning a park brake button onmy yoke I was able to release the park brake and head to therunway. Taxiing was pretty easy, even in the taildragger variant withsmooth turns, and I had no issues keeping my ground speed under checkand in control. I should have mentioned that there is also a GroundSpeed indicator on the EFIS. I enjoyed the engine acceleration as I sped off down the runway,although I did need to work on my rudder control to keep the Sonexstraight and true, however quickly I was up and away. As far as I knowthere is no autopilot with these aircraft, however I found that via mySaitek panels the default autopilot system was available and I coulduse that very easily, in fact it worked well at holding direction andaltitude, as I took a more detailed tour of the inside and exterior ofthe aircraft. /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-09.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-10.jpgIn The AirOnce airborne, I must admit I did cheat for a little while and usethe fictional autopilot just to get my bearings, and I did enjoy theconstant toing and froing of the pitch trim wheel. Well, you can'treally miss the big reg knob staring you in the face. Once I was offautopilot, both the WAIEX and Sonex variants where a real joy to fly,and again the panoramic view was really excellent. I really had asense of being up in the clouds. Once stable, I was able to lean themixture and watch the EGT rise as I did a bit of housekeeping, andthen even tried a few manoeuvres, but less said about those thebetter... let's just say the Sonex and WAIEX are more than up to it,perhaps it is just the pilot that needs a bit more practice... As I mentioned, the all-round view on the sunny day I ran my testswas really quite breath-taking, and I really did enjoy what the Sonexfamily had to offer, even to the point I can say I was pleasantlysurprised. I think I kind of went into this experience with lowexpectations, but I quickly realised that the old adage, "never judgea book by its cover" really was the case here. Approach and landing were fun, and pretty effortless, and again theonly bit I found a little tricky was to keep a straight line during myinitial roll out, however once I had slowed to taxi pace, again noissues taxiing to the ramp area. /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-11.jpg /images/reviews/sonexb/t/mountain-lion-studios-sonex-12.jpgFinal ThoughtsIf I am honest with myself, the Sonex family of aircraft beingoffered here by the Mountain Lion Studios team was a lot more fun thanperhaps I was initially expecting, and I am really glad I had theopportunity to take them out and give them a spin. At first glance,indeed the aircraft are perhaps not that much to look at, however ifyou would like to take your first steps into the kit aircraft world,well at least virtually, the Sonex-B and WAIEX-B would be a good placeto start in my view. I believe that in some cases the saying "less ismore" is very true, and I believe this is one such case wheresomething so simple can be lots and lots of fun. So if you are justwanting to strap in for a fun unobstructed ride, and not have to thinktoo much for a couple of hours with all that goes with more complexaircraft, then the Sonex-B or WAIEX-B might just be for you. They alsohave the added incentive that all profits from their sale are reportedas going towards good causes, and that I particularly liked. /images/reviews/sonexb/title3.jpgStuart McGregor Purchase the Mountain Lion Studios - Sonex-B / WAIEX-B Bundle
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Mountain Lion Studios - Sonex-B / WAIEX-B XP11 Now Available
Nels_Anderson posted an article in X-Plane
/images/notams/notams21/mls1224/mls1224.jpgNow available from Mountain Lion Studios for X-Plane 11 is the popular kit plane the Sonex-B. Also available is the WAIEX-B variant which sports a Y-tail. The planes are available either individually or together as a bundle. /images/notams/notams21/mls1224/sonex2.jpgMountain Lion Studios – Sonex-B / WAIEX-B BundleThe best of both worlds, this package comes complete with both theSonex-B and the Waiex-B, as well as an added bonus of both standardand metallic paints. All of your Sonex needs are met with one singlepackage. Enjoy 4 models with 20 different paint configurations, andthen hit the skies in one of the most nimble and fast sport planes onthe market. /images/notams/notams21/mls1224/sonex3.jpgThe Sonex-B is a basic and economical, easy to build, all metal twoplace monoplane. Designed to meet the needs of the United States andEuropean sport aircraft markets, it can incorporate variouslightweight contemporary engines of 80 to 130 hp and is perfectlysuited to the US Sport Pilot/LSA regulations. Outstanding performanceis achieved through its clean aerodynamic shape and simple,lightweight construction. The Sonex leverages horsepower in small,lightweight aircraft engines very efficiently, offering The BestPerformance Per Dollar, and boasts an incredibly robust airframe withample structural safety margin allowing aerobatics into the IACcompetition levels, and all while it cruises at 130MPH+. In thecurrent B-Model configuration, the Sonex has matured to offer morecreature comforts, a wider variety of engine choices, more capabilityand greater ease of build. Feel the responsive, sporty capabilitiesshe offers, and we're confident the Sonex-B will be one of your mostenjoyable flights to take in X-Plane in a very long time. /images/notams/notams21/mls1224/sonex1.jpgWAIEX (pronounced "Y-X") is simply a Y-tail Sonex. Built purely forit's good looks and as an homage to earlier John Monnett designs suchas the Moni and Monex Racer, the Waiex specifications and performancenumbers are identical to those of the Sonex and, like the Sonex, isperfectly suited to the US Sport Pilot/LSA regulations. The Waiexretains the same superb Sonex flight characteristics and highperformance in all phases of flight, including aerobatics. /images/notams/notams21/mls1224/sonex4.jpgIf you're looking for the ultimate high-performance recreationalaircraft with maximum ramp-appeal, the Waiex is for you. Custom models and sounds from a real Sonex B and Waiex B Custom paints with hundreds of hand drawn rivets and screws Both standard and tricycle gear configurations Functional canopy 3D cockpit with interactive buttons/switches Tested by a real Sonex pilot for maximum realismPurchase Mountain Lion Studios - Sonex-B / WAIEX-B Bundle Purchase Mountain Lion Studios - Sonex-B For XP11 Purchase Mountain Lion Studios - WAIEX-B For XP11
