Sky Science PowerHawk

The Sky Science PowerHawk is a British powered parachute that was designed and produced by Sky Science Powered Parachutes Limited of Tidworth. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1]

PowerHawk
Role Powered parachute
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Sky Science Powered Parachutes Limited
Introduction circa 2000
Status Production completed
Produced 2000-2003
Number built At least one

The aircraft was introduced in about 2000 and production ended when the company went out of business at the end of 2003.[2]

Design and development

The PowerHawk was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category, as well as amateur-built aircraft rules. It features a 500 sq ft (46 m2) parachute-style wing, two-seats-in-tandem accommodation, tricycle landing gear or quadracycle landing gear and a single 70 hp (52 kW) 2si 690-L70 engine in pusher configuration.[1][3]

The aircraft carriage is built from metal tubing with an optional full cockpit fairing. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension. On snow the aircraft uses four skis, two steerable ones in the front and two replacing the rear wheels.[1]

The aircraft has an empty weight of 285 lb (129 kg) and a gross weight of 810 lb (367 kg), giving a useful load of 525 lb (238 kg). With full fuel of 10 imperial gallons (45 L; 12 US gal) the payload for crew and baggage is 453 lb (205 kg).[1][3]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off and landing roll with a 70 hp (52 kW) engine is 100 ft (30 m).[3]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied kit as 30–50 hours.[3]

Operational history

In August 2015 no examples were registered in the United Kingdom with the Civil Aviation Authority, although one had been registered in 2000 and de-registered by the CAA in 2005.[4]

Specifications (PowerHawk)

Data from Bertrand and manufacturer[1][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 9 ft (2.7 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
  • Width: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
  • Wing area: 500 sq ft (46 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 3.1:1
  • Empty weight: 285 lb (129 kg)
  • Gross weight: 810 lb (367 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 10 imperial gallons (45 L; 12 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × 2si 690-L70 in-line three cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, dual ignition aircraft engine, 70 hp (52 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite, ground adjustable

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 27 mph (43 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Range: 140 mi (230 km, 120 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 950 ft/min (4.8 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 1.62 lb/sq ft (7.9 kg/m2)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 85. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. "Sky Science". Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  3. "Sky Science skydiving and parachute accessories and equipment sales". skyscience.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 December 2000. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  4. Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom) (6 August 2015). "GINFO Search Results Summary". Retrieved 6 August 2015.
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