Two-Place Patrol Joins Bearhawk Kit Aircraft Lineup

February 1, 2010

AviPro Aircraft, Ltd. has announced the production of a two-place, tandem utility aircraft as an addition to its popular four-place Bearhawk quickbuild kit. The Bearhawk Patrol is a high-wing aircraft designed for comfort, endurance and fun.

The generous proportions of the cabin provide room for just about any size pilot, a passenger (or two, if they are small) and gear. The available visibility is outstanding both on the ground and in the air, the company says, and the Patrol’s flight controls are light and responsive at cruise and slow speeds. Low landing speeds are enhanced by the use of the 18-foot span, manually operated flaps (up to 40°).

The Patrol can stay aloft for a long time, says the company. With an O-360 Lycoming pulled back for maximum endurance, a steady 100+ mph can be maintained for nearly 9 hours. The Patrol’s 55-gallon fuel tanks allow it to reach remote locations and return home safely. Keith Vasey, VP of sales for AviPro, said, “The Bearhawk Patrol is everything that made the Super Cub famous and has significantly greater speed, climb rate and endurance.”

Most importantly, the Patrol is fun and accessible to the average pilot. The stick controls connect the pilot to the aircraft in a way that a yoke cannot. Furthermore, this stout airframe has experienced a satisfying test program for intermediate aerobatics with a crisp roll rate and responsive handling. The Patrol's versatility opens a whole new world of aviation to the private pilot, the company says.

The Bearhawk Patrol can accept engines from 115 hp to 210 hp. The prototype is powered by a 180-hp Lycoming O-360 and a fixed-pitch aluminum prop. The fabric-covered steel tube fuselage is a time-proven way to build a strong and durable structure. The all aluminum, flush riveted wing features a Riblett 30-413.5 airfoil and available 40° flap setting.

The Patrol, like the four-place Bearhawk before it, is a recent original design of Robert Barrows of Fincastle, Virginia. Both aircraft are designed to the equivalency of “Utility Category” standards for increased structural strength and enhanced capability for unimproved airstrips. The 180-hp Patrol has a cruise speed (60% power) of 140 mph, a takeoff roll of 250 feet and a landing speed of 35 mph, according to the company. The wingspan is 33 feet, cabin width is 32 inches, and the two-place prototype has a 1050-pound useful load.

For more information, call 877/528-4776 or visit AviPro Aircraft Ltd.