LSA

There is an assumption by some that because an airplane is a light-sport airplane (LSA) that it is a compromise and can’t fulfill the function expectation of a “real” airplane. It is assumed that it will be lighter, smaller, and slower. Of course that isn’t necessarily true, especially in the case of Bob Barrow’s latest design, the new Bearhawk LSA

“From the moment you climb aboard the Bearhawk LSA, you feel like you are sitting in a real substantial, solid airplane.”

Payload

The prototype Bearhawk LSA came in at 728 lbs. empty weight, with an aluminum prop and no electrics. Barrows estimates that 750 pounds is a realistic empty weight for a builder who works hard to keep the airplane light. With the LSA maximum gross weight of 1320 lbs. (in the utility category), this 2-place LSA has a very respectable useful load. Barrows has said that the airplane is really designed for a max gross weight of 1500 lbs (in utility category), so there is a built-in margin of safety for those who do not have to fly under the LSA rules.

Performance
The Bearhawk LSA can take off in as little as 200 feet and climb at 1500 ft. per minute and then level off and cruise at 120 mph sipping only 5 gph.

Rugged Construction
The Bearhawk LSA utilizes the traditional 4130 Chromalloy tube and fabric along with all-aluminum, flush riveted wings.

The Bearhawk LSA can stay aloft for a very long time. Barrows reports an economy cruise speed of about 110 mph sipping only 4 GPH with the Continental C-85 engine. With a 30 gallon tank that gives you over 7 hours in the air. Not many vehicles can do 110 mph only consuming 25 miles per gallon. If you want to get there a bit faster, you can push it up in cruise to 120 mph burning about 5 GPH.

Also, with a nice roomy cockpit, you can cruise in comfort. The cabin width is a spacious 31” wide and 97” long. The Bearhawk LSA can be flown with the windows open for taking those perfect aerial photos.

LSA Spec Sheet

Maximum Speed 140 mph
Max cruise 115-125 mph
Landing Speed 30 mph
Stall Speed- 40 mph
Take Off Roll – 200 (depending on weight)
Range 650 miles w/reserve

Empty weight- 750+lbs ( depending on engine selection)
Gross weight- 1320-1500lb
Wing Span- 34FT
Wing Area- -171 sq/ft

Length 22’3″
Heights 75″
Cabin Length 97”
Cabin Width 31 in

Kit Pricing

Quick Build Kit – $48,000 (no welding required)

Includes: Quick Build Wing Kit and Quick Build Fuselage Kit

Quick Build Wing Kit $19,650 These Wings are sold in an advanced level of completion. The top skin is fully riveted. Fuel tanks are included as are the ailerons.

Basic Fuselage – $14,400 Welding required. Includes finish welded fuselage frame (unpainted).

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.

Quick Build Fuselage Kit – $29,350 – The same as Standard Fuselage but has all the tbs and the frame is primed and painted. Includes all pre-cut sheet metal, doors, and frames, fiberglass nose bowl, tail spring, seat frames, instrument panel blank, etc.

Please give us a call or email if you have any questions about what is included in our kits.

CRATING CHARGE (if delivered by Bearhawk Aircraft): $ 800

Engine Options

The Bearhawk LSA was designed for any of the four cylinder Continentals. From 65 HP to 110 HP (O200 with high compression pistons).

Bearhawk LSA Kits

If you are considering building your own Bearhawk LSA, we’re here to encourage you with a variety of options. Of course, 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 QB kit.

Save yourself 1000s 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.)

Videos

LSA Photo Gallery

LSA Testimonials

Bob W: “I have flown my LSA about 115 hours in a bit over a year. During this time I have made it a point to practice short field landings on actual short fields as much as I can. Frankly, the LSA can be landed so short that I would not want flaps on it. It can be hard slipped at minimum airspeed with full control and confidence. This allows for a very steep descent when landing over trees. The slip can even be safely carried into the flare, if I find myself with a little extra speed, as it can be eliminated instantly. I find that I get the shortest landings by touching down tail low ( close to or 3 point) and braking hard while holding the tail up with the elevator. This may sound risky, but it is very easy to control because of the compliant main gear and effective elevator. My airplane has a full panel with electrical system as well as conventional covering and full paint, so it is heavier than Bob’s, and I’m a big guy at 260 lbs. still, it climbs well over 1,000 rpm and will cruise at 112 mph indicated at 75% on my O-200 with 3 blade warp drive prop. That said, I usually cruise at 100 mph indicated on slightly under 4 gph.

While the discussion of flaps for the LSA is an interesting intellectual exercise, I don’t think flaps would add anything useful to the design. It is pretty great as it is. Of course builders can do what they want, but for me, the design is about perfect.”

LSA