Windward Performance DuckHawk

The Windward Performance DuckHawk is an American mid-wing, single-seat, 15-metre class glider, that was designed and produced by Windward Performance of Bend, Oregon.[1]

DuckHawk
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Windward Performance
Status Production completed (2016)
Unit cost
US$105,000 (2011)
Developed from Windward Performance SparrowHawk

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

Design and development

The DuckHawk is a development of the Windward Performance SparrowHawk and is intended as a higher performance glider than its predecessor, with very high structural limits and Vne. The DuckHawk has less than 10% parts commonality with the SparrowHawk. It features a cantilever wing, a single-seat enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy and retractable monowheel gear.[1][3]

The aircraft is made from preimpregnated carbon fiber. Its 15 m (49.2 ft) span wing employs a Greg Cole-designed airfoil, has an area of 80 sq ft (7.4 m2) and an aspect ratio of 30:1.[1][4]

Operational history

By December 2016 four examples had been registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration, including three "V" models and one "E" model.[5]

Variants
DuckHawk E
Electric motorglider version, first example registered with the FAA in 2011.[6]
DuckHawk V (Veloce)
Base model with an empty weight of 390 lb (180 kg), a maximum gross weight of 960 lb (440 kg) and load limits of +7/-5g. The first example was registered with the FAA in 2014 and three have been built.[3][5][7]
DuckHawk SV (Super Veloce)
Proposed model with a 64% thicker spar, thicker fuselage, an empty weight of 435 lb (197 kg), a maximum gross weight of 960 lb (440 kg) and load limits of +11/-9g. None completed.[3][5][7]
DuckHawk VNX
Proposed model with thicker wing skins, an empty weight of 455 lb (206 kg), a maximum gross weight of 1,150 lb (520 kg), maximum speed of 225 kn (417 km/h) and load limits of +11/-9g. None completed.[3][5][7]

Specifications (DuckHawk V)

Data from Bayerl and Windward Performance[1][3][7]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 20.6 ft (6.3 m)
  • Wingspan: 49.2 ft (15.0 m)
  • Height: 3 ft 8 in (1.12 m)
  • Wing area: 80 sq ft (7.4 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 30:1
  • Airfoil: Greg Cole-designed
  • Empty weight: 390 lb (177 kg)
  • Gross weight: 960 lb (435 kg)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 193 mph (311 km/h, 168 kn)
  • g limits: +7/-5g
  • Maximum glide ratio: 50:1
  • Wing loading: 12 lb/sq ft (59 kg/m2)

See also

Related development

Related lists

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 138. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Windward Performance (2016). "Windward Performance home page". Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  3. Windward Performance (2011). "DuckHawk features". Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  4. Windward Performance (2011). "DuckHawk". Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  5. Federal Aviation Administration (4 December 2012). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  6. Federal Aviation Administration (4 December 2012). "N-Number Inquiry Results - N10WP". Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  7. Windward Performance (2011). "Specs" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
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