There is an assumption by some that because an airplane is a light-sport airplane (LSA) that it is a compromise and can’t fulfill the function expectation of a “real” airplane. It is assumed that it will be lighter, smaller, and slower. Of course that isn’t necessarily true, especially in the case of Bob Barrow’s latest design, the new Bearhawk LSA
“From the moment you climb aboard the Bearhawk LSA, you feel like you are sitting in a real substantial, solid airplane.”
Payload
The prototype Bearhawk LSA came in at 728 lbs. empty weight, with an aluminum prop and no electrics. Barrows estimates that 750 pounds is a realistic empty weight for a builder who works hard to keep the airplane light. With the LSA maximum gross weight of 1320 lbs. (in the utility category), this 2-place LSA has a very respectable useful load. Barrows has said that the airplane is really designed for a max gross weight of 1500 lbs (in utility category), so there is a built-in margin of safety for those who do not have to fly under the LSA rules.
Performance
The Bearhawk LSA can take off in as little as 200 feet and climb at 1500 ft. per minute and then level off and cruise at 120 mph sipping only 5 gph.


Rugged Construction
The Bearhawk LSA utilizes the traditional 4130 Chromalloy tube and fabric along with all-aluminum, flush riveted wings.
The Bearhawk LSA can stay aloft for a very long time. Barrows reports an economy cruise speed of about 110 mph sipping only 4 GPH with the Continental C-85 engine. With a 30 gallon tank that gives you over 7 hours in the air. Not many vehicles can do 110 mph only consuming 25 miles per gallon. If you want to get there a bit faster, you can push it up in cruise to 120 mph burning about 5 GPH.
Also, with a nice roomy cockpit, you can cruise in comfort. The cabin width is a spacious 31” wide and 97” long. The Bearhawk LSA can be flown with the windows open for taking those perfect aerial photos.