Windward Performance, Ltd.
Our objective is to provide accurate aerodynamic design and analysis along with advanced composite structural design and manufacturing. Our current product line includes the SparrowHawk and the SparrowHawk SL, a self launch with a retractable motor and propeller. A custom composite SparrowHawk trailer will soon be available. Under development and anticipated greatly is the DuckHawk, a fifteen meter sailplane with projected L/D of 50:1. Additional projects include a streamlined tricycle with two front wheels and one rear wheel and Flying Dutchman sailboats.
The SparrowHawk Sailplane
The SparrowHawk offers good cross-country performance, excellent handling, ease of operation, durability, longevity, ease of maintenance, all at an affordable price. To do this, Windward Performance combined a simple, elegant design with the most advanced aerodynamics and structure used by any sailplane on the market today.
Comfort and Safety
The generously sized cockpit with ground adjustable rudder pedals and a superb fresh air ventilation system allows long comfortable flights. The instrument panel rises with the large one-piece canopy allowing easy ingress and egress. Fuselage cockpit cell utilizes four carbon longerons with four transverse bulkheads in addition to the carbon monocoque shell for crash protection.
Aerodynamics
Careful aerodynamic design contributes to the low airframe drag. The wing uses five airfoils for optimal glide and climb performance. The wing planform and airfoils contribute to extremely benign and controllable stall characteristics. Rolls are quick with a two second 45 to 45 degree roll reversal and the most powerful rudder on any sailplane gives very easy directional control. Class leading performance is shown by our FAI World Records.
Construction
The SparrowHawk is one tough aircraft. The structure is primarily constructed from oven cured aerospace grade carbon fiber epoxy prepregs for outstanding strength and stiffness. This engineering and manufacturing technology advancement is only found at Windward Performance. The enhanced finish durability is provided by polyurethane paints and color and trim options are available.
Comfort and Safety
The generously sized cockpit with ground adjustable rudder pedals and a superb fresh air ventilation system allows long comfortable flights. The instrument panel rises with the large one-piece canopy allowing easy ingress and egress. Fuselage cockpit cell utilizes four carbon longerons with four transverse bulkheads in addition to the carbon monocoque shell for crash protection.
Aerodynamics
Careful aerodynamic design contributes to the low airframe drag. The wing uses five airfoils for optimal glide and climb performance. The wing planform and airfoils contribute to extremely benign and controllable stall characteristics. Rolls are quick with a two second 45 to 45 degree roll reversal and the most powerful rudder on any sailplane gives very easy directional control. Class leading performance is shown by our FAI World Records.
Construction
The SparrowHawk is one tough aircraft. The structure is primarily constructed from oven cured aerospace grade carbon fiber epoxy prepregs for outstanding strength and stiffness. This engineering and manufacturing technology advancement is only found at Windward Performance. The enhanced finish durability is provided by polyurethane paints and color and trim options are available.