The Bearhawk is a light multi-purpose aircraft, designed by American engineer Bob Barrows. Its development began in the 1990s, aiming to compete with globally renowned aircraft manufacturers like Beechcraft, Cessna, Pilatus, and Piper. Barrows focused on a significantly lower price point compared to other companies.
A distinctive feature was that the aircraft was intended for self-assembly, a process requiring at least 600 hours to complete. Although the Barrows Bearhawk aircraft did not achieve widespread popularity for its creators, orders for self-assembly kits continue to arrive, ensuring ongoing production of these aircraft.
Design Philosophy and Self-Assembly
Unlike most other light aircraft models, the Barrows Bearhawk, despite being a self-assembly version, is designed to carry four people on board (including one pilot). This contrasts with most other companies offering two-seater models, a factor that significantly enhances its demand in the market.
The Barrows Bearhawk is equipped with a Lycoming O-540 six-cylinder piston aircraft engine, capable of developing 250 hp. This powerplant allows for the transport of four people (or an equivalent amount of cargo by mass) at a maximum flight speed of 282 km/h, over distances of up to 1000 kilometers. Despite its powerful engine, the maintenance of the Barrows Bearhawk’s powerplant was quite expensive, which, according to experts, prevented this model from achieving wider distribution.
Performance and Capacity
Furthermore, the Barrows Bearhawk is also suitable for cargo transport. Its large cabin can accommodate up to 590 kg of payload (including the weight of the pilot and passengers). Typically, the transported cargo must be compact, so the operation of these aircraft for this purpose is not very frequent.
Production History and Evolution
From the start of production until mid-2012, 78 Barrows Bearhawk aircraft were built, including a modified version, the Barrows Patrol, which later became a separate model. The cost of a self-assembly kit in 2015 was 40,500 US dollars. After the company’s name change to Bearhawk Aircraft, the model is now offered under the designation Bearhawk 4-Place.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bearhawk |
| Wingspan, m | 10.00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.20 |
| Wing area, m2 | 17.00 |
| Empty weight | 635 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1225 |
| Fuel, l | 190 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Lycoming O-540 |
| Power, kW | 1 x 250 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 282 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 241 |
| Ferry range, km | 1448 |
| Practical range, km | 1046 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 516 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bearhawk
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