H-3 Pegasus

Award-winning cantilevered low-wing monoplane designed by Bert Howland. First flew in 1988. The H-3 is a tube and fabric-covered sport plane with construction methods comparable to the H-2 biplane. However, instead of strut and cable-bracing, the H-3 features a cantilevered wing with a design G-load of +5 to -3.

It first flew with an engine of 28 horsepower, but normally is built with engines in the 40 to 50 horsepower range now.

The clean configuration gives it a very impressive cruise speed compared to other very light aircraft. The design won first place awards in its category at the EAA Sun 'n Fun Fly-in at Lakeland, Florida in both 1989 and 1990.

The designer developed a war bird variant of the H-3 in 1993, based on the P-40 Warhawk of "Flying Tiger" fame. It was designated HP-40, but is not offered now as a separate set of plans. However, H-3 builders who wish to opt for this variant can receive supplemental drawings to enable them to make the minor changes.

One of those, the substitution of tube and fabric wing tips in place of fibreglass tips on the H-3, is an option that many builders choose for the standard H-3.

Raw materials kit available from Wicks Aircraft Supply.

specifications
 
powerplant
propeller
length
height
wing span
wing area
seats
empty weight
useful load
gross weight
fuel capacity
range
Hirth 2704 HP Range50/31-55
x
15ft
4.8ft
25ft
110sq. ft
1
305lb
x

575lb
7.5gal
120n.m

performance

takeoff distance, ground roll
rate of climb
max speed
cruise speed
landing distance, ground roll
service ceiling
200ft
600fpm
mph 85mph
70mph
250ft
9500ft

limiting and recommended speeds

design manoeuvring speed (Va)
never exceed speed (Vne)
stall, power off (Vsl)
landing approach speed
x
x
30mph
x

All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations