Bearhawk Aircraft’s Model 5 Makes First Flight

Six-place, 300 hp STOL airplane also hauls big loads.

Jonathan Welsh

Friday, November 11, 2022 at 04:37 PM ET

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The six-place Bearhawk Model 5 has made its first flights. [Credit: Bearhawk Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Bearhawk Aircraft's new six-place, kit-built Model 5 backcountry airplane has successfully completed its first flight, expanding the company's lineup with increased hauling capacity.
Designed for both off-airport STOL operations and efficient cross-country cruising, the Model 5 performed as expected during initial flight tests.
Pilots noted its agile handling, high speeds (up to 142 knots at 8,500 ft), and good fuel efficiency, with the aircraft capable of using Lycoming engines ranging from 250 to 315 hp.

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Bearhawk Aircraft said its Model 5—a kit-built, six-place backcountry design—has completed its first flight. The new model brings increased hauling capacity to the Austin, Texas, company’s current lineup of two- and four-place airplanes.

The aircraft performed as expected, according to Rollie Van Dorn, an airline pilot who flew the Bearhawk 5 for its initial 25 hours and also flew the Model 5 prototype, along with other Bearhawk models.