Bearhawk Model B
The Second Generation of the Original 4 Place
Design engineer Bob Barrows had long wanted to try the Riblett airfoil used on the Patrol to improve the flight characteristics of the original four place Bearhawk. In addition, there were several design features Bob tried on the Patrol and Bearhawk LSA which he believed would benefit the four place Bearhawk. Here is a list of the changes made to the original Bearhawk to turn it into the Model B which is now the kit we are manufacturing.
1) The major modification was changing the original 4412 airfoil to the Riblett GA30-4135. If you would like to learn a little about Harry Riblett (without reading his entire book), click here. This change also resulted in the flap area increasing as the flap now goes all the way inboard to the fuselage.
2) The original Bearhawk had flat ribs for the horizontal stabilizers and vertical stab. In discussions with Harry Riblett, Bob learned that replacing the flat ribs with airfoil shaped ribs would have the effect of acting like an increase in area of these control surfaces by 20%. This translates into increased stability and control authority. In addition, this change allows the down deflection of the hor stabs to be decreased from 4 degrees (original design) to 3 degrees Model B). We found that the corresponding reduction in drag gave a few MPH speed increase.
3) The tail spring was changed from a set of three leaf type flat springs to a round spring of 6150 steel heat treated to a Rc hardness of 49-50. Bob believes the round spring has some advantages over the flat springs. He felt this way after flying his Patrol and LSA with round tail springs for many years.
4) On the original four place, the side formers, window and door sills were bent 4130 sheet steel parts welded in place to the fuselage tubing. On the Patrol, Bob designed these parts in 5052 aluminum (.050). The door sill is 6061T6 (.063) as this is harder than 5052 for where people are getting in and out of the plane. These aluminum parts are pop riveted to tabs welded to the fuselage tubing. There are two advantages to this change. When these parts were made of steel, getting paint coverage into every little corner and preventing long term corrosion was more difficult. This is not an issue when aluminum is used. 5052 is referred to as “marine” aluminum for its corrosion resistance. Secondly, there is a minor weight savings of a few pounds when changing these to aluminum.
5) The lower tubing of the shock struts was always streamlined 4130 tubing for drag resistance. Over the years, a few pilots flying their Bearhawks got into severe swerving and ground loops resulting in the streamlined tubing failure in compression. This was not a surprise to Bob as it was what he expected. The original shock strut was extremely strong and reliable if the Bearhawk was kept going straight down the runway. This has been proven by some off airport landings in very rough conditions where zero damage occurred. But enough Bearhawk pilots were ground looping that Bob felt beefing up this part to round 1 1/8” x .065 was called for. This doubled the compression strength but does increase the chance of fuselage damage instead of limiting the damage to the L/G, shock struts, and outboard wing (in a ground loop). With our kits, pieces of streamline tubing of PVC are provided to be epoxied in place over the round tubing so there is little increase in drag.
6) On the Patrol and LSA, Bob designed aluminum window frames for the aft fuselage windows. On the Model B – Bob incorporated the same window frames into the side windows replacing the steel frames as used originally.
7) The aileron and flap hinge mounts were redesigned for standard spherical bearings. It is a fixed fixed design for easier assembly to the wing.
4-place Spec Sheet
| Top Speed | 175 mph, IAS |
| Cruise Speed (260 hp) | 150 mph (62%), TAS (varies with builder,engine,weight) |
| Cruise Speed (180 hp) | 135-140 mph, TAS |
| Landing Speed | 40 mph, IAS |
| Takeoff Roll | 200-500 ft, demonstrated (depends on engine) |
| Rate of Climb @ gross | 1,500-1,700 fpm (varies with builder,engine, etc.) |
| Range @ 65% est. | 650 mi. |
| Range @ 50% est. | 900 mi. |
| Empty Weight | 1150-1550 pounds (varies w /builder /engine /prop) |
| Gross weight | 2500 pounds (2700 pounds on floats) |
| Useful Load | 950-1350 pounds (varies w/ builder/ engine/ prop) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 gallons (standard) 72 gallons (optional, w/aux tanks) |
| Wing span | 33 ft. |
| Wing Area | 180 sq. ft. |
| Length | 23 ft. 6 in. |
| Cabin Width | 42 in. |
| Cabin Length | 9 ft 8 in. (firewall to back of back of baggage area) |
Engine Options
Four place BH – Engine options: Lycoming O360 (180 HP) to Lycoming 540’s up to 260 HP.
What is a Bearhawk?
CARGO BAY WITH LARGE DOORS
The back seat can be removed resulting in a HUGE cargo area with unobstructed access. Not only does the back seat have its own door, but the back door combines with the cargo door to allow a six foot loading area. In addition, the back seat can be flipped around and mounted with the seat facing aft. This moves the CG of the rear seat passengers 8 or 9 inches forward.
FLYING FOR 19 YEARS WITH 1400+ SETS OF PLANS SOLD
Professional engineer Bob Barrows originally designed the Bearhawk to carry aircraft engines for his engine rebuilding business in 1995. He offered plans for sale and over 1400 sets of plans have been sold. There are over 100 Bearhawks now flying in the USA and around the world.
OVER 1000 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME
The two prototype Bearhawks (180 hp & 260 hp) have accumulated well over 1000 hours of flight time. There are at least two Bearhawks built by builders with over 700 hours on them. Bearhawks have flown to Mexico, all around the bush up in Alaska, and into the rugged countryside of South Africa, Australia, and Brazil.
WIDE CHOICE OF ENGINES 150 HP TO 260 HP
The Bearhawk delivers outstanding performance (125 160 mph, 1000-2000 fpm climb) regardless of the engine. The take off and climb is truly impressive making it an ideal airplane for all types of applications including floats
TUBING FUSELAGE WITH LOTS OF DOORS
The time proven 4130 steel tube fuselage is the accepted standard for both longevity and crash survivability. For those thinking of serious bush operations, it is also the most easily repaired in the case of an accident.
ALL METAL WINGS WITH LOTS OF FLAPS
The modified 4412 airfoil combined with big flaps and a long, all metal wing offer the best combination for short field take off and landings. Depending of course on the pilots skill, the Bearhawk can operate safely from most any field that is called an airport. Some Bearhawk owners have put the big tundra tires on their airplanes, and operate on the remote landing spots used by bush pilots in Alaska.
Learn about Bob Barrows who designed the Bearhawk and the Patrol
Kit Options
ADVANCED QUICK BUILD KIT Model B four place $72,000
Bearhawk Quick Build fuselage – $42,050
Bearhawk Quick Build Wings – $28,000
BASIC FUSELAGE $23,100
WING COMPONENT KIT $15,000
CRATING CHARGE (if delivered by Bearhawk Aircraft): $800
Click Here for Full Kit Information
May 6, 2023
Bearhawk Aircraft announces Advanced Quick Build Kit for the Model B four place and
Model 5 six seat kits.
Effective today all kit orders taken for the Model B four place and Model 5 six place Bearhawks will be sold as Advanced Quick Build kits. There is a price increase of $10,000 for each kit but many items previously purchased by all customers for their planes are now included in the Advanced QB kit.
The Model B four place Advanced Quick Build kit is now $72,000, and the Advanced Quick Build kit for the Model 5 is $81,000.
Items now included with the Advanced QB kit:
1) A set if flying wires for the tail surfaces. Round wires for the bottom & streamlined for the top wires. These are made by Bruntons of Scotland.
2) Grove wheels brakes – a set of 66-152 aluminum double puck brakes now come with your kit
3) Tailwheel – a 10” Bob Barrows designed tailwheel is standard and included. A Tundra tailwheel is optional with a small upcharge.
4) Hardware package for each model will now be included. Nuts, bolts, pulleys, control cables, nico press hardware, turnbuckles, rod end bearings, fairleads, rivets and more.
5) SPRL fuel valve, as modified by the manufacturer for our kits, will now be included.
Bearhawk Kits
If you are considering building your own Bearhawk. We’re here to encourage you with a variety of options. You can simply purchase the plans and begin scrounging for raw materials. Or you can purchase some sub-kits or components from us. We welcome any and all Bearhawk builders into the fold. However, if you think you want to scratch build we recommend that you talk to builders that have gone before you. Nearly all will tell you to purchase our Quick Build kit. Save yourself 1000’s of hours of work and fly years sooner. We believe that even craftsmen and machinists benefit from building from our Quick Build kit. (There’s still a lot of enjoyable work to accomplish.)
However you intend to build your Bearhawk, get started now!
This photo shows the contents of the complete Bearhawk Quick Build Kit (with optional auxiliary tanks).
Here are the prices and contents of our kits and components:
ADVANCED QUICK BUILD KIT Model B four place $72,000
The Quick-Build Kit is on the FAA 51% approved kit list.
Because the airframe is largely fabric covered and because of the way the FAA constructs its definition of the 51% rule, we are able to complete the entire structure so there is no actual structural fabrication to be done other than completing the riveting of the bottom wing skin. This is left partially open so the builder can access and install certain components.
All of the wing control surfaces are ready to be installed. The same thing is true of the tail, landing gear, control system, etc: the components are finished but must be installed.
Assembly and installation not fabrication.
The Quick-Build does not include tires, covering/painting materials, & seat upholstery.
Now included with your Advanced Quick Build Kit:
- Complete set of plans, with serial number (Note: If you have purchased plans separately, the kit price will be reduced by the purchase amount of your plans.)
- Fuselage completely finish welded, no welding required. Ready for stringers, cover and systems installation.
- Landing gear and tail, completely finished, ready for cover and installation.
- Control system completely fabricated, ready to install.
- Wings finished, interior primed, with only the bottom skin which is already drilled and dimpled and ready to be riveted.
- Control surfaces assembled, ready to be installed/covered.
- Wing Struts with end fittings already drilled and just need to insert bolts.
- Fuel tanks installed in your wings (aux tanks optional).
- Motor mount ready to be installed. Choices are Lycoming 0-360, 0-540 and Continental 0-470.
- Firewall and boot cowl, ready for trimming and assembly (not drilled).
- Huge cargo doors standard with all kits. Rear float attachment points optional
- The frames for all seats are included. Builder will fabricate seat pans and upholstery.
- Wing tips
- fuel caps
- trim wheel w/chain
- aileron cable guards
- Hardware to build your kit now provided.
- gascolator
- clear windshield (tinted or UV block extra)
- Brake master cylinders (one set). Second set optional.
- Wing tie down rings
- Grove double puck wheels/brakes
- Flying wires for your tail surfaces
- 10” Bob Barrows tailwheel. Tundra tailwheel optional
- SPRL fuel selector valve.
- Fuel and brake lines with all fittings included
Please give us a call or email if you have any questions about what is included in our kits.
Bearhawk Quick Build fuselage – $42,050
Bearhawk Quick Build Wings – $28,000
NOTE: certain items that are included with the Advanced Quick Build Kit are not included when only a fuselage of set of wings is ordered.
BASIC FUSELAGE $23,100
The basic fuselage structure complete, but with only the most important attach fittings finish welded on. These are:
- Wing attach fittings
- Wing Strut Fittings
- landing gear attach fittings
- wing strut attach fittings
- and the tail surfaces attach fittings.
Start your project with a straight, true fuselage finish welded in our big fuselage jig. UNPAINTED because there are many parts that still need to be welded on. And other fuselage parts will need to be fabricated or purchased separately.
WING COMPONENT KIT $15,000
- Ribs formed (includes all wing, flap, aileron ribs)
- Wing spars primed, assembled and finished. Ready to build wing skeleton.
- Also flap and aileron spars included
Videos
Bearhawk 4 place photo gallery
Bearhawk 4 place Testimonials
Roger Krenzin – chief pilot for the JAARS missionary group. He has done amazing flight demonstrations of the Helio Courier at Oshkosh, and checks their new pilots out in the Helio which is famous for its short field capabilities. He has flown all over the world and into some of the most difficult strips imaginable. In this audio clip, he talks about his flights in a customer’s Bearhawk and compares the flight characteristics of the Helio to our Bearhawk.
