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Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol

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  • Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol


    image.png

    Bearhawk builders,

    Starting 2025 I will be posting about my Bearhawk Patrol build in this thread with links to my project website. For everybody who has followed along on Substack, you can now use this thread instead to get notified about new posts.



    For all the previous entries, start here ➜

    XHawk Build Log

    Last edited by noema; 09-02-2025, 10:16 AM.
    Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

  • #2
    Well done Stefan!
    Frank Forney
    Englewood CO
    https://eaabuilderslog.org?s=FranksLSA
    EAA Chapter 301

    Comment


    • noema
      noema commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks Frank!

  • #3

    Covering the Tail Feathers:
    Last edited by noema; 04-25-2025, 04:12 PM.
    Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

    Comment


    • #4
      Wow, you website is an incredible resource! Your attention to detail in documenting and planning is inspirational. Thank you for sharing it with us!

      Comment


      • noema
        noema commented
        Editing a comment
        Thanks, it helps me convince myself that a shop full of strange parts is potentially an airplane

    • #5
      I recently updated my post about the air intake. I'm using a BA-supplied heat box, which has a fairly big filter for a 4-cylinder engine. I'm happy with how it turned out, although assembly was challenging due to the filter undercutting the skin. The many intersecting shapes made it difficult to visualize. This information may be useful to others, as there isn't much documentation available yet for this part of the build.



      image.png
      Last edited by noema; 04-25-2025, 04:12 PM.
      Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

      Comment


      • #6
        I had the pleasure to do a limit load test on some of the critical components of the Bearhawk Patrol. The Austrian CAA wasn't fully convinced there was enough data with Bearhawk series of aircrafts in EASA-land and required it. Developing the test program and executing it was quite a lot of work but turned out to be interesting as well. I have posted a small summary and video about the tests, in case anybody is interested in this kind of tangential deep dive.

        The tests were also quite challenging to do because my build is 90% done and for various reasons I was not able to do them earlier.

        Post:


        Video Rundown:


        CA661D95-C274-40C5-BE14-EEAC3C4A0BF9_1_201_a.jpg
        Last edited by noema; 04-25-2025, 04:13 PM.
        Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

        Comment


        • #7
          Originally posted by noema View Post
          I had the pleasure to do a limit load test on some of the critical components of the Bearhawk Patrol. The Austrian CAA wasn't fully convinced there was enough data with Bearhawk series of aircrafts in EASA-land and required it. Developing the test program and executing it was quite a lot of work but turned out to be interesting as well. I have posted a small summary and video about the tests, in case anybody is interested in this kind of tangential deep dive.

          The tests were also quite challenging to do because my build is 90% done and for various reasons I was not able to do them earlier.

          Post:


          Video Rundown:


          CA661D95-C274-40C5-BE14-EEAC3C4A0BF9_1_201_a.jpg
          I’ll never complain about FAA again. That’s insane…

          Comment


          • #8
            I created what can only be described as the mother of all PDF reports. This unhinged document crams 1,400 hi-res images across 100+ pages and 10 subsystem chapters, lets you zoom in fullscreen on every single image, and somehow weighs in at only 376MB. The PDF wizards were summoned.

            Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

            Comment


            • #9
              Outstanding that you've gone to this extent for EASA compliance. Is the Patrol similar to the BH4 in that it can be operated to 2 different limits, or is 3.8G the maximum ? (The BH4 can be operated to 4.5G at 2500lbs and 5G at 2300lbs). Did they mention anything about operating to higher limits ?
              Nev Bailey
              Christchurch, NZ

              BearhawkBlog.com - Safety & Maintenance Notes
              YouTube - Build and flying channel
              Builders Log - We build planes

              Comment


              • noema
                noema commented
                Editing a comment
                The way I understand it is that you can operate it to the limit you test it at here. I tested to the low end to make the logistics manageable. The high end, based on fleet experience, will be for good feels.

                The compliance requirements on the documentation are specifically for the Austrian CAA. I know people have gotten by with less documentation but they also had to negotiate their way through, which slows things down even more.

            • #10

              Made it to the airport!

              I have recently moved my Bearhawk to the airport. Not sure how this would go over I was pleasantly surprised that anybody from A&Ps, pilots, CAMO managers, VIP staff, airport managers really liked the airplane. People were really helpful and forthcoming. Hoping this won't flip *fingers crossed*.

              My airworthiness inspection went well with a few minor findings. They are not definitive yet (not sure what was a comment and what needs to be corrected) but will probably make a post once I know.

              At the moment I am waiting for paperwork and getting myself into the mindset of flight testing. Having experience on an Aviat Husky the airplane feels very similar so far. Taxies like a charm. More when I know more.




              F6D318C9-C741-48BB-979E-7EEF4CB1F3F6_1_105_c.jpg
              Bearhawk "XHawk" Patrol, O-360, Trailblazer 80", tubeless 26" Goodyears, Stewart Systems. See XHawk Build Log.

              Comment


              • paulodonnell
                paulodonnell commented
                Editing a comment
                Wow Stefan! That's great...some view from the hangar door!!

              • noema
                noema commented
                Editing a comment
                I am banking on the view drawing me out and up in the air. Although its quite bright after building all these years in my cave.

              • rodsmith
                rodsmith commented
                Editing a comment
                Congratulations on getting to this point! Beautiful airplane. Hope to hear about the first flight and flight testing.
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