Sonex Light Kits
We recognize the Sonex line of Kits as one of the most cost effective Aircraft available in the market today. Straightforward and low cost aluminum construction, lower cost engine alternatives, and overall great performance.
Because we had requests from Sonex builders we adapted our kits to support them. Our kits may cost a little more than a DIY effort, but they do offer a complete and ready to install alternative that will give a clean and consistent result and leave you with a very serviceable and attractive light in your wing, while saving you the time and headaches that can come with trying to design your own.
Our Leading Edge landing Lights have been designed with specific things in mind.
First, you need a good, clean, adjustable installation, that is cost effective and puts the light where you want it. As with many certificated aircraft, we use a wing cutout that limits the light to forward and down output, not allowing the light to shine 'up' where it can interfere with the pilot's peripheral vision in dark, hazy, or misty conditions. The larger cutout on the underside of the wing allows light to spill onto the Taxiway in front of the wings and to the sides.
One of the nicest benefits to our designs is the wide range of light options that are available to the builder. You can start with the lowest cost light, or even our 'Installation Only' kits without a lamp. From there we provide several very easy options, and ALL of our lights will easily 'Upgrade' to any of our newer Lamp options. You can even use different lamps in each wing, to balance performance and cost, while keeping the 'appearance' the same (ie Round 100w in the right wing and Round HID in the left).
A BIG consideration for Sonex builders is how many Amps of power their lights draw. Our 55w Rectangular light has a relatively low draw of 4 amps at 14vdc, but because of the size of the reflector, it has a light output similar to the 75w MR-16 2" round lights that are popular due to their low cost. Unfortunately, at 75w they draw 1.3 amps more, so we feel our 55w lights deserve a closer look.
NEW HID LIGHT OPTIONS! Now you can get our base Rectangular or Round light installations with a 35W HID unit that is light (.75 lbs), draws 3 amps instead of 4.5 (55W) or 8 (100W), at an attractive price point. This is the optimum solution for the Sonex - least power draw and most light output!
Light Bulb and Kit Options |
Rectangular Light Kits
Round Light Kits
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4" Round Light KitsThis Kit uses a low cost 4-inch "PAR 36" reflector, which is the same 'size' reflector as our HID units, and gives builders the option of a Round Duckworks light. Although it's a bit heaver and more expensive than the Original 55w Rectangular, it's the perfect solution for those interested in the PAR 36 form factor. For Sonex builders, we don't think the 100W bulb is viable due to the 20 amp alternator that is typical for the powerplants available to you. We offer it so that there is a 'round' lamp option for you. We think a better solution (if you want the round light, ie to match an HID in the other wing), is the round enclosure with the special Phillips Superwhite(TM) bulb. NEW! Get the kit with the new 35W HID option (see pricing below). This draws only 3 amps and is FAR brighter than a Halogen lamp.
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High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) Light Kits
Duckworks offers High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights in a 4-inch "PAR 36" reflector. This light mounts in our standard, lightweight, easily adjustable mount, using a new retaining bracket. The benefits to the HID are the incredible amount of light output, reduced power draw, and long life.
NOTE - To save cost some builders may want to install an HID light in only one wing. Using the 100w Round light in the other wing gives a balanced look when parked, allows the builder to have the safety of 2 lights, the extreme brightness of the HID light, at a significant cost savings versus installing 2 HID lights. (See our Round Light FAQs section).
We have 3 versions of HID Kits available:
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Phillips 35W High Intensity Discharge (HID) 'Xenon' Light Kits
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Upgrades/RetrofitsTo order Kits, Lights, or Upgrades, go to the Sonex Order Forms on our Ordering Info page. Please note that we do NOT think the 55W HID is preferred for Sonex. The 35W HID light output is great and coupled with the low power (3 amps) it is the optimum light solution for the Sonex aircraft. The new HID lamps fit directly in your existing Halogen reflectors, for very easy upgrade (for more information, go to the Upgrades page and click LC HID Lights). See our FAQs for questions. Click here for the Upgrades page.
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