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SubSonex Prototype
Jet JSX-1 Makes First Flight By Eddy Metcalf |
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August 11, 2011 - Sonex Aircraft, announce that the
SubSonex jet aircraft prototype, JSX-1, made its maiden
flight on Wednesday at Wittman Regional Airport in
Oshkosh, WI. The SubSonex was piloted by air show
performer and owner of Desert Aerospace LLC, Bob
Carlton. The flight lasted approximately 14 minutes and focused on exploring the low-end of the aircraft's speed envelope, including stalls, and a low approach in the landing configuration.
"It?s an exciting day for Sonex," said SubSonex designer
and Sonex Aircraft, LLC President John Monnett. "We have
a test flight plan to expand the envelope of the
aircraft, and we'll see where the project takes us from
here." |
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"It was
great - flies like an airplane,? Carlton said after the flight.
?The faster I went, the better it felt." Carlton was selected to
fly the aircraft based on his vast experience pioneering light
jet aircraft.
The TJ 100
is single-shaft engine with single-stage radial compressor,
annular combustion chamber, single-stage axial turbine, and
stationary exhaust jet. The intake air is compressed in the radial compressor wheel, proceeds through radial and axial diffuser into the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with fuel sprayed by several fuel nozzles. Combustion gases arising in fuel burning in the combustion chamber expand through the single-stage axial turbine and exhaust jet into the atmosphere. The rotor of the engine is mounted on 2 ball bearings lubricated with pressure oil. The SubSonex has been a personal dream of Sonex Founder and EAA Hall-of-Fame designer John Monnett's for a long time. The goal is to provide a robust yet inexpensive performance turbine-powered aircraft for the recreational pilot. Those with a need for speed are naturally attracted to this beautiful design. According to John, it will be as close as you can get to strapping on a jet pack and going for a ride while still flying in an airplane. |