6-Seat, High-Performance Bushplane Takes to the Skies with Experienced Bearhawk Pilot

Bearhawk Aircraft has announced the first flight of a full, kit-built Model 5, opening a new era for the company's newest hot rod.

Rollie Van Dorn completed the first 25 hours in the completed Bearhawk 5, comparing it to previous entries in the company lineup like the smaller, 2-seat Patrol. The 6-seater is reportedly a total sweetheart, he said. “When maneuvering, the larger Model 5 feels the same as the Patrol. Ailerons actually feel lighter. I expected this build to perform exactly the same as the prototype, and it did without exception.”

In his first evaluation, Van Dorn flew for 8.7 hours, racking up more than 20 landings in getting a feel for the brand new plane. Notes from his flight report an indicated 142 knots cruise at 8,500 feet with the throttle at 24-square. Altitude was easily maintained with reduced power, with fuel consumption ranging between 11.0–15.7 gallons per hour. In pitching up he reports the aircraft exhibited gentle manners, as well as when maneuvering in steep turns.

“The Model 5 lands nicely and goes really fast," he said. “I was able to skywrite and view Bearhawk on my G3X and ADS-B displays. This made the time go by faster but also heightened my appreciation for the Model 5’s agile flying qualities." 

The backcountry brawler is a 6-spot design perfect for unimproved runways and short field performance with more than enough pep to climb back out. The kit in its completed form uses a 300 hp IO-540 and 82" 3-blade Hartzell prop, granting it a power-to-weight in the neighborhood of even competition aerobatic aircraft. The fuselage is welded 4130 tubing, fabric covered with 0.025/0.032 on a Riblet airfoil common to all Bearhawk designs.

FMI: www.bearhawkaircraft.com