Talked to a KITPLANES editor once about how they picked the image to go on the magazine's cover. He said they went for the "nut factor," some unusual image that would draw the reader to look at the article inside. So you're not as likely to see an RV, for instance, unless there's something unusual about it, like it being a brand-new model or having floats or something.
As you might expect, being on the cover is much sought-after by the kit companies. Not only does it kick-start the sale of the new model, just getting the company name on the front page helps the whole line.
And...of course, the SubSonex has "nut factor" in spades.
So it doesn't matter than it's single seat, it doesn't matter if the fuel consumption is lousy, and it doesn't matter if the engine cost is five times what the airframe sells for. Every aviation magazine editor will be featuring it, and it's going to attract potential customers' eyes to Sonex.
Most of them will think, "Damn, that's too rich for my blood," but every article will probably feature the SubSonex sitting next to a standard Sonex. Readers will think, "You know, that prop-powered version looks just like it, and it's actually a lot more affordable...."
If nothing else, the SubSonex is great marketing. And when they come up with a two-seat version....it all repeats.
Ron Wanttaja
