Windward Performance SparrowHawk

The Windward Performance SparrowHawk is an American mid-wing, single-seat glider that was designed and produced by Windward Performance.[1]

SparrowHawk
Three view drawing
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Windward Performance
Status Production completed
Number built 35

Since 2016 the aircraft has been no longer advertised as available by the manufacturer.[2]

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][3]

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][3]

The SparrowHawk achieves a best glide ratio of 36:1 and a minimum sink rate of 119 ft/min (0.60 m/s).[4]

Specifications (SparrowHawk)

Data from Bertrand and company website[1][4]

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

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