Photograph:
Fisher Dakota Hawk N293DW at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA in July 2007 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-seat light touring and training aircraft
Power Plant:
One 60 kw (80 hp) Rotax 912UL four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-and-air-cooled engine
Specifications:
}
- Wingspan: 8.69 m (28 ft 6 in)
- Length: 6.02 m (19 ft 9 in)
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Wing area: 11.89 m² (128 sq ft)
- Max speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
- Cruising speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Max cruising speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
- Stalling speed: 56 km/h (35 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 244 m/min (800 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
- Range: 402 km (250 miles)
- Fuel capacity: 45 litres (10 Imp gals)
- Take-off run: 107 m (350 ft)
- Landing run: 122 m (400 ft)
- Empty weight: 272 kg (600 lb)
- Useful load: 249 kg (550 lb)
- Loaded weight: 522 kg (1,150 lb)
History:
The Fisher Dakota Hawk was a two-seat side-by-side light aircraft produced by Fisher Flying Products of Edgeley, North Dakota in kit form. Aimed at the market for a light aircraft with good cross-country performance it was available in Quick Build Kit form, this containing pre-fabricated ribs, spars, wing tip bows, bulkheads, formers, fuselage sides, fin, rudder, horizontal stabiliser, etc, thus reducing build time for the amateur constructor. Matco wheels and brakes were standard.
The Dakota Hawk was usually fitted with engines in the 48 kw (65 hp) to 75 kw (100 hp) range. It was designed as an ultralight which could be used on cross-country trips. It had dual controls and was equipped with a steerable tailwheel, main undercarriage shock absorbers and hydraulic brakes. The wing had an I-beam main spar.
The type was usually built with two entry doors, dual controls, a steerable tailwheel and folding wings so that it could be hangared or transported more easily. A variety of engines could be installed, including the Continental C-65, C-85, O-200, Rotax 912, Subaru or Jabiru. Fuel capacity was 45 litres (10 Imp gals).
A small number have been completed in this region. In Australia most have been registered under Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) Regulations. One of the first examples completed in Australia became 19-4232 (c/n DH19 – ex ZK-SUB) on 15 December 2004 and in November 2019 another example became VH-ZPE (c/n 130).
Examples have been completed in New Zealand, including ZK-SOL (c/n DH20) and ZK-SUB (c/n DH19).