Windward Performance SparrowHawk

The SparrowHawk mid-wing, single-seat glider was designed to fit into the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, including that category’s requirement that unpowered aircraft have a maximum empty weight of 155 lb (70 kg). The sailplane achieves this by utilizing a structure that is predominantly made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer.

The SparrowHawk’s multi-tapered, 36.1 ft (11.0 m) span wing employs five different airfoils and has an aspect ratio of 18.6:1. The wing features Schempp-Hirth style spoilers on the top surface. The cockpit can accommodate pilots who range in height from 63 to 75 in (160 to 191 cm). The landing gear is a fixed monowheel gear with an auxiliary tail wheel. The glider is finished with a two-part polyurethane paint. The aircraft can be launched by auto-tow, winch-launch, or aero-tow by both light aircraft and ultralight aircraft. Aerobatics are not recommended.

The SparrowHawk achieves a best glide ratio of 36:1 and a minimum sink rate of 119 ft/min (0.60 m/s).

Production ended after 35 were built. Since 2016 the aircraft has been no longer advertised as available by the manufacturer.

Wingspan: 36.1 ft (11.0 m)
Wing area: 70 sq ft (6.5 m2)
Aspect ratio: 18.6:1
Length: 20.6 ft (6.3 m)
Height: 4.5 ft (1.4 m)
Empty weight: 155 lb (70 kg)
Gross weight: 415 lb (188 kg)
Stall speed: 32 kn (37 mph, 59 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 123 kn (142 mph, 228 km/h)
g limits: +5.48/-4.0g
Maximum glide ratio: 36:1 at 50 kn (58 mph; 93 km/h)
Rate of sink: 119 ft/min (0.60 m/s) at 38 kn (44 mph; 70 km/h)
Wing loading: 5.93 lb/sq ft (29.0 kg/m2)
Crew: one

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