AviPro Aircraft, Ltd. has announced the kit production of a two-place, tandem utility aircraft as an addition to their popular Bearhawk (four-place) Quick-Build kit.

The "Bearhawk Patrol" is a high wing aircraft designed for comfort, endurance and fun. The generous proportions of the cabin provide plenty of room for just about any sized pilot, a passenger (or two if they are small) and gear. The available visibility is outstanding both on the ground and in the air. The patrol's flight controls are light and very responsive at cruise and slow speeds. Low landing speeds are further enhanced by the use of the 18 ft. span, manually operated flaps (up to 40 degrees).

The Patrol can stay aloft for a very long time. With an O-360 Lycoming pulled back for maximum endurance, a steady 100+ mph can be maintained for nearly nine hours. The Patrol's 55 gallon fuel tanks allow it to reach many remote locations and return home safely. Keith Vasey, Vice President of Sales for AviPro said "The Bearhawk Patrol is everything that made the Super Cub famous and has significantly greater speed, climb rate and endurance."

Most importantly, the Patrol is FUN! The remarkable performance is easily utilized by the average pilot. The stick controls connect the pilot to the aircraft in a way that a yoke cannot. The Patrol can land in many fields that you would not even consider with other airplanes. Furthermore, this stout airframe has experienced a very satisfying test program for intermediate aerobatics with a crisp roll rate and responsive handling. The Patrol's versatility opens a whole new world of aviation to the private pilot.

The Bearhawk Patrol can accept engines from 115hp to 210hp. The prototype is powered by an O-360 Lycoming 180hp engine swinging a fixed pitch aluminum propeller. The fabric covered steel tube fuselage is a time proven way to build a strong and durable structure. The all aluminum, flush riveted wing features a Riblett 30-413.5 airfoil and available 40 degrees flap setting. The Patrol, just as the four-place Bearhawk before it, is a recent, original design of Robert Barrows of Fincastle, Virginia. Both aircraft are designed to the equivalency of "Utility Category" standards for increased structural strength and enhanced capability for unimproved airstrips. The 180hp Patrol has a cruise speed (60% power) of 140 MPH, a takeoff roll of 250 feet and a landing speed of 35 MPH. The wing span is 33 feet. Cabin width is 32 inches. The two-place prototype can have a 1,050 pound useful load (depending on the builder's equipment selections), if built to "Utility Category" equivalency as designed.

AviPro aircraft, based in Austin, Texas, is the manufacturer for Bearhawk Aircraft quick-build kits and parts under exclusive, independent license from Mr. Barrows. AviPro's factory began producing complete Bearhawk kits in 2000.