Bob Barrows Explained

Robert "Bob" Barrows is an American aircraft designer and engine builder of light aircraft. Best known as the designer of several Bearhawk planes, he is also a mechanical engineer, and A&P licensed aviation mechanic.^{[1] [2]}

Career

Barrows is the designer of the Bearhawk Patrol, Companion, 4-Place, and Model 5 light aircraft,^[3] as well as the Bearhawk LSA light-sport aircraft.^[4]

Prior to designing the first aircraft in the Bearhawk series, the 4-Place, Barrows designed and built a STOL high wing plane called the Grasshopper and an aerobatic biplane.^[5] After designing his four-seat Bearhawk in the early 1990s, Barrows started using airfoils designed by Harry Riblett in his Bearhawk designs.^[6]

In April 2019, Barrows was injured in his Bearhawk LSA when he clipped power lines on approach to land. The LSA's steel tube design resisted crumpling beyond the firewall.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: About Us . https://web.archive.org/web/20090704013700/http://bearhawkpatrol.tripod.com/bearhawk/id6.html . 4 July 2009 . 1 July 2023 . R&B Aircraft . Virginia, United States.
2. News: August 2020 . Bigger & Bolder . 2024-01-15 . Flying . 14 . EBSCOHost.
3. Web site: Boatman . Julie . 26 May 2020 . Bearhawk Builds First New Model 5 . 10 July 2023 . Flying.
4. Web site: Tulis . David . 1 November 2021 . Capable Homebuilt Performer . 10 July 2023 . AOPA.
5. Web site: . . Bob Barrows on Airplane Design . 10 July 2023 . Bearhawk Aircraft . Texas, United States.
6. Web site: Spangler . Scott . 19 July 2013 . The Airfoil Adventures of Harry Riblett: Finishing the work NACA started . 1 December 2023 . Kitplanes . Connecticut, United States.
7. Web site: Cook . Marc . 23 April 2019 . Bearhawk Designer Bob Barrows Injured in Landing Crash . 10 July 2023 . Kitplanes . Connecticut, United States.