Photograph:
Aero Gare Seahawk ZK-SEA (c/n AACA/1755/2) at Ashburton, NZ in February 1999 (NZCivAir)
Country of origin:
Canada / United States of America
Description:
Two / three-seat amphibious sport biplane
Power Plant:
One 112 kw (150 hp) Avco Lycoming O-320 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.32 m (24 ft)
- Length: 6.4 m (21 ft)
- Height: 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 10.96 m² (118 sq ft)
- Max cruising speed: 257 km/h (160 mph)
- Economical cruising speed: 238 km/h (148 mph)
- Stalling speed: 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Service ceiling: 5,475 m (18,000 ft)
- Max rate of climb at sea level: 305 m/min (1,000 ft/min)
- Range with max fuel, 45 mins reserve: 1,931 km (1,200 miles)
- Empty weight: 340 kg (750 lb)
- Loaded weight: 680 kg (1,500 lb)
History:
The Seahawk was designed by Garry LeGare in Canada, it being an all-composite amphibious biplane which, depending on the power plant installed, could seat two adults, up to three adults, or two adults and two children. The prototype was first flown on 10 July 1982 with a 54 kw (72 hp) Revmaster engine. A second prototype was built, being fitted with a 75 kw (100 hp) Avco Lycoming O-235-C engine. Subsequently plans and kits were marketed to amateur constructors, the definitive aircraft having a greater wingspan and increased weight. Engines ranging from 52 kw (70 hp) to 112 kw (150 hp) were suitable.
The type was first marketed by Leg-Air Corporation, but, in December 1985, this company was acquired by Aero Composites and the type subsequently became known as the Aero Composites Seahawk. Able to be built from plans, or a kit supplied by the manufacturer, the latter consisted of three separate kits so constructors could purchase one kit at a time, thus spreading the cost over a period; or the three kits could be obtained at the one time. The first kit included the pre-moulded fuselage shells, tail fin and cockpit canopy.
The Seahawk was stressed to +5 / -3G but aerobatics were not approved. Standard fuel capacity was 106 litres (23.3 Imp gals) but optional tanks could be fitted in the wing centre section to increase capacity to 227 litres (50 Imp gals).
First of the type seen in this region was ZK-SEA (c/n AACA/1755/2) registered in March 1987 in Christchurch but not completed until 1991.