Windward Performance SparrowHawk

SparrowHawk
Three view drawing
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Windward Performance
Status Production completed
Unit cost
US$44,500.00 (2011)[1]

The Windward Performance SparrowHawk is an American mid-wing, single-seat glider that was designed and produced by Windward Performance.[2]

Since 2016 the aircraft has been no longer advertised as available by the manufacturer.[3]

Design and development

The SparrowHawk was designed to fit into the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, including that category's requirement that unpowered aircraft have a maximum empty weight of 155 lb (70 kg). The sailplane achieves this by utilizing a structure that is predominantly made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer.[2][4]

The SparrowHawk's multi-tapered, 36.1 ft (11.0 m) span wing employs five different airfoils and has an aspect ratio of 18.6:1. The wing features Schempp-Hirth style spoilers on the top surface. The cockpit can accommodate pilots who range in height from 63 to 75 in (160 to 191 cm). The landing gear is a fixed monowheel gear with an auxiliary tail wheel. The glider is finished with a two part polyurethane paint. The aircraft can be launched by auto-tow, winch-launch, or aero-tow by both light aircraft and ultralight aircraft. Aerobatics are not recommended.[2][4]

The SparrowHawk achieves a best glide ratio of 36:1 and a minimum sink rate of 119 ft/min (0.60 m/s).[5]

Specifications (SparrowHawk)

Data from Bertrand and company website[2][5]

General characteristics

Performance

See also


Related lists

References

  1. Windward Performance (February 2011). "Pricing and Options". Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 60. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. Windward Performance (2016). "Windward Performance home page". Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  4. 1 2 Windward Performance (February 2011). "Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  5. 1 2 Windward Performance (February 2011). "SparrowHawk Specifications and Performance". Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.

External links

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