Flight Testing the Hawk One

The Hawk 1X is the production prototype of the Hawk gyroplane models, and is powered by a 180 hp Lycoming 0-36OA4-M engine. The flight test program tests the flight characteristics of this gyroplane throughout its normal operating range including: maximum forward airspeed up to and including 160 mph; minimum airspeed for level flight; best airspeed for maintaining level flight at minimum power; best rate of climb airspeed; best angle climb airspeed; rate of climb at a variety of forward airspeeds and density altitudes; flights at airspeeds below 20 mph including 0 mph (determining rate of descent at airspeeds less than minimum airspeed for level flight); service ceiling; take off and landing performance; turns: shallow, steep, climbing, descending, etc.; and the evaluation of handling and stability in all of its normal flight envelopes.

We will also continue to test the flight characteristics of this gyroplane at performance beyond its normal flight envelope, to determine actual values of: , , , , , , , , and .

The flight testing program includes all normal, pertinent and usual methods, procedures and applications, as may be expected by those in the industry familiar with the research and development flight testing of a new aircraft design, including but not limited to testing control rigging and effectiveness, weight and balance, center of gravity limitations, structures, visibility, controllability, maneuverability, range at various airspeeds, altitudes and power settings, etc.

	Design maneuvering speed;
	Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power;
	Maximum speed with landing gear extended;
	Maximum landing gear operation speed;
	Never exceed speed;
	Minimum steady flight speed at which the gyroplane is controllable;
	Speed at which level flight can be maintained at minimum power;
	Airspeed which results in the greatest gain in altitude in a given horizontal distance;
	Airspeed which results in the greatest gain in altitude in a given time.