Monnett Sonerai

The Sonerai I design and construction started in 1970 with the goal of a flying aircraft to be demonstrated at the 1971 EAA airshow. The aircraft was to meet the new Formula V rules and those of the Professional Race Pilots Association (PRPA) for aircraft powered by 1600cc Volkswagen engines (it will accept VW engines from 1600 to 2800cc displacement). The Sonerai I was designed to use a direct drive 1,600cc VW engine Great Plains Aircraft Supply Company held the rights to the Sonerai series of aircraft until 2015. Sonerai Works LLC, of Franksville, Wisconsin, purchased the rights to Sonerai plans and parts from Great Plains in 2015. Sonerai Works LLC was formed by Fred Keip. a Sonerai IIL builder, owner, and pilot, who was Sonerai Newsletter editor and publisher 1996 –2010, and had been a technical support provider for Sonerai builders over 28 years (an EAA Technical Counselor since 1987). In December 2019 the design was acquired by Sonex Aircraft. The aircraft is not available as a kit, and is built using plans, although some parts are available. ==Operational history==

The prototype Sonerai 1 was displayed at the Experimental Aircraft Association Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where Monnett eventually relocated. The aircraft was painted a bright green that became the color of all the future prototypes and company marketing. The shade was from a 1971 Dodge Charger John Monnett saw painted Sassy Grass Green. World records Brian Dempsey built a Sonerai I that set a world record. The C-1a/0 (Landplanes: takeoff weight less than 300 kg) Speed over a straight 15/25 km course of 292.15 km/h (181.53 mph / 157.74 kn) on February 19, 1989. Dempsey's record stood for 20 years. Robin Austin of Australia built a Sonerai IIL with a 100 hp Rotax engine. The aircraft has set the following FAI records for C-1a/0 (Landplanes: takeoff weight less than 300 kg). • May 17, 2008: Speed over a recognized course 404.3 km/h (251.2 mph / 218.3 kn) St. George, QLD (Australia) - Brisbane, QLD (Australia) • June 5, 2008: Aeroplane Efficiency : 29.79 km/kg Jacobs Well, QLD (Australia) • June 8, 2008: Aeroplane Efficiency 37.22 km/kg C1-b Class • July 28, 2008: Speed over a recognized course 440.0 km/h (273.4 mph / 237.6 kn) Blackall, QLD (Australia) - Rockhampton, QLD (Australia) ==Variants==

;Sonerai I :Single-seat Formula V Racer ;Sonerai II :Two-seat, mid-wing, conventional gear ;Sonerai II-LS :Two-seat, low-wing, stretched fuselage, conventional gear ;Sonerai II-LTS :Two-seat, low-wing, stretched, tricycle gear == Specifications (Sonerai II) ==