The Bearhawk LSA is a light, multipurpose aircraft developed by American engineer Bob Barrows. The aircraft’s design was based on the Bearhawk Patrol model, but this new airframe received significant modifications. While considerably less powerful, it became much more maneuverable.
Design and Development
Development of the aircraft began in 2010, and in 2012, this flying machine was first presented to the public at the AirVenture 2012 exhibition. Subsequently, the model entered mass production, where it remains to this day.
The fuselage and empennage of this two-seater aircraft are assembled from tubes welded from 4130 Chromalloy alloy and covered with fabric (percale). The wings are entirely aluminum, riveted with flat-head rivets.
Construction and Features
The cockpit features tandem seating for the pilot and one passenger, accommodating two people. Simple controls are used as equipment, allowing for quick adaptation to flying the aircraft. With an empty weight of 370 kg, it can carry up to 145.8 kg of useful load with a fully fueled 30-gallon tank.
The machine is designed for a maximum takeoff weight of 679.5 kg, exceeding the LSA limit (600 kg) for strength considerations. The Bearhawk LSA is equipped with a 100-hp Continental O-200 engine, providing enough fuel for flights lasting up to 5 hours.
Alternative powerplants can include the Continental A-65 (65 hp), Continental A-75 (75 hp), or Continental C-85-8 (105 hp). Other engines with power ratings from 65 to 120 hp can also be used.
Performance and Affordability
The Bearhawk LSA’s maximum speed can reach 225 km/h. Its low landing speed of 56 km/h allows it to be used on dirt strips as short as 200 m. The model has nearly achieved an ideal 4:1 ratio of maximum speed to stall speed. The aircraft is equipped with a full electrical system and meets LSA requirements.
Considering all additional work and engine cost, the final price of an assembled Bearhawk LSA kit can be under $80,000, or almost half the price of a basic CubCrafter model. This makes this simple aircraft an ideal and quite affordable proposition.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bearhawk LSA |
| Wingspan, m | 10.00 |
| Length, m | 6.78 |
| Height, m | 1.91 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.00 |
| Empty weight | 327 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 599 |
| Fuel, l | 110 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Lycoming O-200 |
| Power, kW | 1 x 100 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 225 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 201 |
| Practical range, km | 700 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 396 |
| Crew, crew | 1 |
| Payload | 1 passenger |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bearhawk LSA
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