AUSTIN, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 - Bearhawk Aircraft announced today two firsts for its Bearhawk Patrol aircraft kits: 1) The first flight of a completed Bearhawk Patrol in South Africa, and 2) The first shipment of a Bearhawk Patrol kit to Brazil. The Bearhawk Patrol, available as a Quick-Build kit, is a two-place tandem seated aircraft resembling the Piper Super Cub. It differs notably by its single-strut-braced wings and an advanced airfoil. These developments come shortly after the company publicly debuted its new Bearhawk LSA, a slightly smaller design that meets Sport Pilot requirements.
The first Bearhawk Patrol, ZU-HUB, to fly in South Africa has now logged 27+ hours. Owned by South African Bearhawk distributor, Wayne Giles, ZU-HUB is turning heads in the region. Giles is reporting a fast cruise of 155 mph indicated at 75-percent power. The Patrol has a Superior IO-360 engine that develops 180 hp while swinging a three-bladed composite propeller from MT-Propeller.
Mark Goldberg, president of Bearhawk Aircraft, commented, "What is surprising the aviation community of South Africa is the Patrol's fast cruise speed while still being able to land and takeoff as short as a PA-18 Super Cub." The Patrol's speed is attributed to the Riblett 30-413.5 airfoil design and flush riveted wings. Commending Giles on his completion of the aircraft, Mark added, "Beautiful job Wayne!"
Giles' son (a film major) produced a video of the aircraft's first flight; it can be viewed at http://youtu.be/Ftj8foKVR2M. Photos of the first Bearhawk Patrol in Africa included one of the finished aircraft and Giles' "esteemed helper Mattheus." Wayne added he is "very pleased with the outcome and end result of the aeroplane we built together!" The South African Patrol was completed in two years, following delivery of the kit.
Meanwhile across the Atlantic, the first Bearhawk Patrol Quick-Build kit was shipped to a customer in Brazil. A rancher from Santa Catarina province in southern Brazil, Fernando Frahm took a demo flight at AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, whereupon he decided to purchase the Patrol. Frahm knew it was the airplane he needed to land at the short strip on his ranch. It would also allow him greater travel flexibility at better cruise speeds than similar STOL/utility aircraft he had been considering.
The Brazilian customer requested that the majority of items to complete his Quick-Build kit be packed in the shipping container. This is a common occurrence with overseas deliveries. Sourcing parts is more easily done is the U.S., and Bearhawk Aircraft is able to simplify shipping, customs and other considerations on behalf of its customers. For example, in late 2014, the company held a shipment while waiting for PolyFiber fabric covering supplies and Grove wheels/brakes to arrive. Goldberg commented, "We are always willing to help them out." Bearhawk aircraft kits have been exported to many countries around the globe, including: Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Germany, Norway, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
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, Bearhawk aircraft are flown by customers around the world.
For more information on Bearhawk Aircraft, visit www.bearhawkaircraft.com, or contact Bearhawk at [email protected] or 1-877-528-4776.
