Groen Brothers Aviation announced today that beginning immediately, the basic SparrowHawk model is being replaced with the SparrowHawk II.  All orders received from December 1, 2005 will be for the SparrowHawk II.  Orders that were received prior to December 1, 2005 will ship the original SparrowHawk.  All SparrowHawk II kits will shipped FOB from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Owners of the original SparrowHawk can be assured that Groen Brothers Aviation will continue to support their aircraft.  The introduction of the SparrowHawk II is in response to engineering updates and customer requests.  The major differences between the two aircraft will mainly be noticed in the lower weight, the easier build process, the increased reliability and easier maintenance.

New or upgraded items on the SparrowHawk II are as follows:

• New Cabin

1. The cabin will have a similar look to the existing cabin, but is more attractive and made to greater precision.
2. Lighter Cabin – This will add approximately 30 lbs. of additional useful load.
3. Stronger – New manufacturing technology makes the cabin stronger and lighter than previous cabins.
4. Modified Fuel Delivery System – All fuel connections are exterior to the cabin. This is an added safety feature, as well as eliminating the possibility of fumes from lines and connections inside the cabin.
5. Repositioning the throttle control to allow for more seat adjustment.

• External bearing support for the engine sprocket.

1. This will add additional strength to the PSRU, and put less strain on the engine crank shaft which should extend engine life.
2. Adjustable Bearing Plate to accommodate crankshaft pre-load adjustment (to improve crankshaft support).

• Redesigned welded main landing gear. The new single piece design is stronger and easier to install than the earlier design.

• Cable pulley system for rudder.

1. The new rudder system requires less rudder control foot pressure and is tighter and more responsive that the earlier design.
2. The new system includes a series of pulleys that make it much easier to install.

• 80 Amp. Alternator. The 80-amp alternator provides additional electrical power to allow the builder to add items such as landing and strobe lights, radios and additional navigation equipment.

• Pre-built tail. The pre-built tail has been a popular option for SparrowHawk builders. Approximately 75% of all SparrowHawk orders have included the pre-built tail. Those who have elected not to select this option have found the tail construction to be difficult and very time consuming. GBA is now making the pre-built tail part of the standard kit. In the past, this option was $948.

The tail will be shipped in three parts. The vertical tail, and the two horizontal tails. The builder will then bond the three components together and finish the seams and do the finish work in preparation for painting.

• Improved Packaging and Labeling. New packaging and labeling makes part identification and the build process simpler and easier.