Engines & Props
Model 5
Model 5 is designed to use 6 cylinder Lycomings from 250 HP to 315 HP. The least powerful engine recommended is the parallel valve 540’s making 250/260 HP. The next step up are the angle valve Lycoming 540’s making 300 HP. The prototype Model 5 has a 315 HP IO580. The nose bowl and cowling are designed for forward facing induction if going fuel injected. Likely a Continental 520/550 could used as well but has not been done by any builders yet.
Many propellers can be used on the Model 5. An aluminum 84” two blade C/S prop would be the lowest cost option but still providing good performance. The carbon fiber Hartzell Trailblazer is an excellent choice. The 83” diameter two blade Trailblazer and the three blade 82” diameter Trailblazer do produce VERY strong take off thrust and climb. Bearhawk Aircraft can help you with a new engine or prop at good pricing. Bearhawk design engineer Bob Barrows also sells overhauled Lycomings with very attractive pricing.”
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Model B
Model B Bearhawk four place can use engines from O360 180 HP Lycomings up to 260 HP parallel valve 540 Lycomings. And anything in between. Options for the four cylinder Lycomings include parallel valve 180 HP O360’s, 200 HP angle valve 360’s, and 210 HP IO390. The stroker parallel valve Lycoming clones (370’s & 375’s) can also be used. The Lycoming 540 models usable include the low compression B series 540’s (235 HP) up to the 260 HP 540’s. The low compression engines are more tolerant of auto fuel. Carberated or injected engines are both usable. We make engine mounts for Dynafocal Type I 360’s and Type I & II for the 540’s. We also make an engine mount for the O470 Continentals although few builders use them.
We are often asked “which engine is best”. The advantages of a four cylinder engine is lower initial cost and lighter weight. Lighter weights in general mean slower landing speeds with shorter landing distances. The 540 engines provide shorter take off distances and better climb. Climb is a result of excess HP. With the weight of a 540 up front, the CG loading flexibility improves using the BIG baggage area in back. You can not load a much as far aft with a four cylinder up front. You also gain 5-10 MPH in cruise with the added HP of the 540. Fuel flow while flying should not be a determining factor as you can throttle back a 540 powered BH and burn the same fuel and have the same TAS as a four cylinder powered Bearhawk.
There are several propellers that can be used on a four place Bearhawk. A few Bearhawks have fixed pitch props but most use C/S props. Anything from 78”-80” diameter up to 84” is usable. Metal two blade or composite two or three blade. A three blade metal prop is discouraged because of the forward CG it creates when flying light with just the pilot. Bearhawk Aircraft can help you with a new engine or prop at good pricing. Bearhawk design engineer Bob Barrows also sells overhauled Lycomings with very attractive pricing.
The Patrol
The Patrol can use any parallel valve four cylinder Lycoming. From 150 HP – 210 HP. Most common is the 180 HP O360. But injected engines can also be used. We provide a Type I dynafocal mount with the kits.
While most Patrol builders use C/S props – a fixed pitch prop also gives excellent performance. The 78”-80” diameter Catto composite fixed pitch props do very well. C/S options include the carbon fiber Hartzell Trailblazer, Whirlwind props, and MT props. Bearhawk Aircraft can help you with a new engine or prop at good pricing. Bearhawk design engineer Bob Barrows also sells overhauled Lycomings with very attractive pricing.
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The Companion
The Companion can use any four cylinder Dynafocal Type I Lycoming. Parallel valve cylinders or angle valve cylinders. Carburated or injected. 180 HP – 210 HP.
Fixed pitch or C/S props can be used. The 78”-80” diameter Catto composite fixed pitch props do very well. C/S options include the carbon fiber Hartzell Trailblazer, Whirlwind props, and MT props. Bearhawk Aircraft can help you with a new engine or prop at good pricing. Bearhawk design engineer Bob Barrows also sells overhauled Lycomings with very attractive pricing.
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The LSA
The Bearhawk LSA was designed to use any of the four cylinder Continentals from 65 HP to 100 HP. The O200A or O200D are probably the most common engines used.
The fixed pitch props used on the LSA can be composite or lower cost wood props. Many builders have used the 76×44 Catto with success. Bearhawk Aircraft can help you with a new engine or prop at good pricing. Bearhawk design engineer Bob Barrows also sells overhauled four cylinder Continentals used on the LSA with very attractive pricing.
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