The first Bearhawk Companion, a side-by-side two-place aircraft, has been completed, including the successful first flight.
The Companion is derived from using the wings of the tandem seat Bearhawk Patrol and the fuselage of the 4-Place Bearhawk Model 5, according to company officials.
The first flight of a Bearhawk Companion was performed by the aircraft’s builder Dave Lenart of Bethel, Vermont. Dave completed the build from a manufactured kit. An experienced builder and mechanic, Dave has built two prior Bearhawk aircraft, including 4-Place and Light-Sport aircraft (LSA) models. He is currently assembling a Patrol.
The two-place Companion handles and performs much like the narrower Patrol, according to Bearhawk officials. A slightly shorter fuselage makes it sportier than the “SUV/pickup” styled Bearhawk 4-Place, officials add.
Working closely with Bob Barrows, creator of the Bearhawk lineup, Dave incorporated a 180-hp Lycoming O-360 engine built by Barrows into the first flying Companion. The aircraft features flush-riveted aluminum wings, a steel tube fuselage, and an airfoil shaped empennage.
The build was completed in 10 months and an estimated 1,000 hours. It has logged 12 hours in flight so far, with test flights at Lebanon Municipal Airport (KLEB) confirming the design’s goal cruise speed of 145 mph (126 knots indicated) and payload target of 1,070 pounds, company officials noted.
Lenart’s Companion came in at 1,130 pounds empty weight and 2,200 pounds gross. It spins a Catto 76×62 two-blade, composite cruise propeller.
“The shorter nose of the Companion makes taxi visibility very good,” Lenart said. “With full fuel of 50 gallons, the aircraft has proven very stable.”
He noted that clean stall is at 42 knots indicated, and 38 knots with full flaps, with company officials noting the aircraft was engineered by Barrows with STOL characteristics in mind.