Windward Performance DuckHawk

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 V_ne. 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.

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.

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.

Variants

DuckHawk E

Electric motorglider version, first example registered with the FAA in 2011.

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.

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.

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.

Specifications (DuckHawk V)

Data from Bayerl and Windward Performance

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)