The global Bearhawk is a “Go Anywhere” aircraft that serves a variety of flying activities. Designer Bob Barrows originally brought the aircraft to fruition as a means of transporting aircraft engines in support of his engine overhaul business. The Bearhawk grew from that single idea into a lean and reliable airframe that found a place among adventure pilots. From rural strips and backcountry destinations, the Bearhawk can easily haul passengers plus gear.
The original 4-Place Bearhawk served its designated utility role extremely well. But not one to sit on his achievements, Barrows proceeded to work on subsequent models to include the Bearhawk Patrol, a tandem 2-place rendition in 2002. Later, the first kit-built Bearhawk LSA debuted in 2012. Also a two-place aircraft, the LSA is a lightweight all-new design that meets Sport Pilot requirements while sharing the backcountry qualities of its predecessors. The latest incarnation is a derivative of the original 4-place Bearhawk airframe incorporating design features of all three previous aircraft. This “Model-B” Bearhawk offers increased speed, improved handling, and wellspring of other features.
Today Bearhawk aircraft are operating on five continents, including Africa (in South Africa), North America (in 36 states), South America (in Brazil), Europe (in Norway and Germany), and Australia (in New Zealand’s “Southern Alps”). Asia and Antarctica are on the radar, as well as Canada, as these markets feature terrain and destinations befitting of the Bearhawk’s capabilities. Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin are popular spots for Bearhawk owners with multiple aircraft flying in these regions. Manufacturing of kitted and replacement parts for Bearhawk Aircraft takes place in Mexico.
In 2013, there were 82 Bearhawk aircraft on the FAA registry, today there are 112. Many more kits and plans have been sold. As these aircraft are completed, the number of Bearhawk operating around the world is increasing.
Bob Barrows exemplifies the home-builder spirit. He proceeded with an idea to build a better small transport aircraft, one that could carry pilot, passenger and weighty cargo. That realization led to a series aircraft designs, each building on the wisdom gained from the previous. Bearhawk aircraft are fine tuned machines. As experimental designs, each implementation, and every idea, is subjected to scrutiny and revision. This process ameliorates the rigid paperwork regimen of type certified aircraft.
See the Bearhawk at Sun ‘n Fun 2017 at Paradise City—demo rides available by appointment. Bearhawk Aircraft manufactures high quality Quick-Build aircraft kits for the Bearhawk 4-Place, and two-place tandem Bearhawk Patrol and Bearhawk LSA. Designed by engineer Bob Barrows, the Bearhawks have in common excellent performance and superb flying characteristics. Bearhawks are known for their short field capability, higher than expected cruise speeds, and very gentle slow speed manners. For utility and recreational use, customers around the world fly Bearhawk aircraft.
