Windward Performance SparrowHawk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Windward Performance SparrowHawk is an American mid-wing, single-seat glider that was designed and produced by Windward Performance.[1] It first flew in 2002.[2]
| SparrowHawk | |
|---|---|
| Three view drawing | |
| General information | |
| Type | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Windward Performance |
| Status | Out of Production |
| Number built | 35 |
| History | |
| First flight | 2002 |
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.[1][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.[1][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[1][5]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 20.6 ft (6.3 m)
- Wingspan: 36.1 ft (11.0 m)
- Height: 4.5 ft (1.4 m)
- Wing area: 70 sq ft (6.5 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 18.6:1
- Empty weight: 155 lb (70 kg)
- Gross weight: 415 lb (188 kg)
Performance
- Stall speed: 32 kn (37 mph, 59 km/h)
- Never exceed speed: 123 kn (142 mph, 228 km/h)
- g limits: +5.48/-4.0g
- Maximum glide ratio: 36:1 at 50 kn (58 mph; 93 km/h)
- Rate of sink: 119 ft/min (0.60 m/s) at 38 kn (44 mph; 70 km/h)
- Wing loading: 5.93 lb/sq ft (29.0 kg/m2)
See also
Related lists