Robert "Bob" Barrows is an American aircraft designer and engine builder of light aircraft. Best known as the designer of several Bearhawk planes, he is also a mechanical engineer, and A&P licensed aviation mechanic.[1][2]

Career

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Bearhawk Model 5

Barrows is the designer of the Bearhawk Patrol, Companion, 4-Place, and Model 5 light aircraft,[3] as well as the Bearhawk LSA light-sport aircraft.[4]

Prior to designing the first aircraft in the Bearhawk series, the 4-Place, Barrows designed and built a STOL high wing plane called the Grasshopper and an aerobatic biplane.[5] After designing his four-seat Bearhawk in the early 1990s, Barrows started using airfoils designed by Harry Riblett in his Bearhawk designs.[6]

In April 2019, Barrows was injured in his Bearhawk LSA when he clipped power lines on approach to land. The LSA's steel tube design resisted crumpling beyond the firewall.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "About Us". R&B Aircraft. Virginia, United States. Archived from the original on July 4, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  2. ^ "Bigger & Bolder". Flying. August 2020. p. 14. Retrieved January 15, 2024 – via EBSCOHost.
  3. ^ Boatman, Julie (May 26, 2020). "Bearhawk Builds First New Model 5". Flying. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  4. ^ Tulis, David (November 1, 2021). "Capable Homebuilt Performer". AOPA. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "Bob Barrows on Airplane Design". Bearhawk Aircraft. Texas, United States. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Spangler, Scott (July 19, 2013). "The Airfoil Adventures of Harry Riblett: Finishing the work NACA started". Kitplanes. Connecticut, United States. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  7. ^ Cook, Marc (April 23, 2019). "Bearhawk Designer Bob Barrows Injured in Landing Crash". Kitplanes. Connecticut, United States. Retrieved July 10, 2023.