Utility Kitbuilt Bearhawk Has a New Reason To Cheer

Austin, Texas-based Bearhawk Aircraft announced at EAA AirVenture this week it has developed its Bearhawk “Bravo,” a new variant of its four-place kit/plans-built aircraft. The new high-wing, utility design claims best-in-class speed, short takeoff and land (STOL) capability and payload capacity. First offered in 1994, the Bearhawk line of aircraft includes a two-place “Patrol” version, as well as the Bearhawk light sport aircraft.

The primary difference with the Bravo model is a new airfoil—a Riblett 30-413.5, replacing the original’s NACA 4412. According to Bearhawk test pilot Wayne Massey, the new airfoil makes the Bravo not only five- to eight-mph faster, but also provides significantly improved stall characteristics and slow-speed handling. “Performing full-aft-stick power-off stalls leads to a wings-level, stable full stall and sink rate of around 1,200 feet per minute. The wings remain level and the nose does not drop; the aircraft does not ‘leaf stall,’” he said.

Bearhawk has its latest model on display at the EAA AirVenture show this week in Oshkosh, Wis.