Just in time for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Sonex Aircraft has announced it is now accepting full kit orders for its new Highwing. The company reports that performance and handling have met their design expectations, prompting them to invite the 71 existing kit reservation holders to place their full orders. Now, that opportunity is open to everyone.
For those not quite ready to commit, Sonex is still accepting new, refundable $500 kit reservation deposits. The company plans to begin kit shipments by the end of the year.
Initial Flight Data
While flight testing will continue through the fall, the initial data gathered with the prototype is promising, according to the company. The aircraft has the shorter, aerobatic wing tips installed, and all data was collected with the UL Power UL350iS engine.
Stall Speeds:
- Clean: 53.9 mph
- Mid Flaps (14°): 50.75 mph
- Full Flaps (30°): 46.26 mph
Climb Performance:
- Solo Weight: 1475 fpm at 95 mph (2745 rpm)
Cruise and Top Speed:
- Cruise: 150 mph IAS / 160 mph TAS at 2500 feet (2800 rpm)
- Top Speed (WOT): 160 mph IAS / 170 mph TAS at 2700 feet (3000 rpm)
Sonex notes that these numbers—particularly climb and cruise—were achieved with a propeller that could use a few more inches of pitch. The team is working with Sensenich and UL Power to optimize the prop, and they expect to see even better cruise speeds once it’s dialed in, especially at higher altitudes.
As for handling, Sonex reports no surprises, describing the Highwing as “crisp, solid and predictable.”
Weight, Balance, and MOSAIC
The taildragger prototype, which features a dual 10-inch Dynon SkyView panel but does not yet have its auxiliary fuel tanks installed, currently weighs just under 820 pounds. Sonex is publishing this as the “Basic Empty Weight” for the aerobatic configuration. Builders should anticipate finished weights trending toward 850 pounds or more, depending on engine choice, paint, and interior.
The company notes that the prototype’s CG is in good shape, and the current stall speeds are well within the limits of the proposed MOSAIC rules. You can review the prototype’s current weight and balance sheet here.
Sonex Highwing Kit Pricing
- Complete Airframe Kit: $39,000
- Quick Build Kit (Fuselage and Wings): $55,000
- Tri-Gear Option (add-on): $1,250
Sub-kits are also available for builders who prefer to purchase their project in stages:
- Tail Kit: $2,250
- Fuselage Kit: $15,600
- Fuselage Quick Build Upgrade: $10,000
- Wing Kit: $15,000
- (Wing Quick Build option not available separately)
- Finishing Kit (Gear & Controls): $6,200
- Tri-Gear Option for Finishing Kit: $1,250
- Kit-Minus-Tail Package: $36,750
Production and Lead Times
Based on the 71 current deposit holders, Sonex anticipates lead times for standard Complete Airframe Kits and Sub-Kits to be approximately 16–20 weeks.
The company is expanding its Quick Build department to handle the expected demand. Quick Build kits are assembled in batches, and Sonex estimates the earliest kits will ship in the spring or summer of 2026, with later orders likely shipping in 2027.
For more information, visit the Sonex Aircraft website at www.sonexaircraft.com.
