Windward Performance DuckHawk explained

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] It first flew in 2011.[2]

Since 2016 the aircraft has been no longer advertised as available by the manufacturer.[3]

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.[4]

The aircraft is made from preimpregnated carbon fiber. Its 151NaN1 span wing employs a Greg Cole-designed airfoil, has an area of 80square feet and an aspect ratio of 30:1.[5]

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.[6]

Variants

DuckHawk E
  • Electric motorglider version, first example registered with the FAA in 2011.[7]
    DuckHawk V (Veloce)
  • Base model with an empty weight of 390lb, a maximum gross weight of 960lb and load limits of +7/-5g. The first example was registered with the FAA in 2014 and three have been built.[6] [8]
    DuckHawk SV (Super Veloce)
  • Proposed model with a 64% thicker spar, thicker fuselage, an empty weight of 435lb, a maximum gross weight of 960lb and load limits of +11/-9g. None completed.[6]
    DuckHawk VNX
  • Proposed model with thicker wing skins, an empty weight of 455lb, a maximum gross weight of 1150lb, maximum speed of 225kn and load limits of +11/-9g. None completed.[6]

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 138. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011.
    2. Web site: J2mcL Planeurs - Fiche planeur n° . 2022-05-21 . www.j2mcl-planeurs.net.
    3. Web site: Windward Performance home page. 1 December 2016. Windward Performance. 2016.
    4. Web site: DuckHawk features. 25 August 2015. Windward Performance. 2011.
    5. Web site: DuckHawk. 4 December 2012. Windward Performance. 2011.
    6. Web site: Make / Model Inquiry Results. 4 December 2012. Federal Aviation Administration. 4 December 2012.
    7. Web site: N-Number Inquiry Results - N10WP. 4 December 2012. Federal Aviation Administration. 4 December 2012.
    8. Web site: Specs. 25 August 2015. Windward Performance. 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040930/http://windward-performance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DuckHawk-SSA-2014-copy.pdf . 4 March 2016.

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