Windward Performance Duckhawk

Single Piston

The Windward Performance Duckhawk is an American light sport motorglider that bridges the gap between pure sailplanes and powered aircraft. Certified under FAA Light Sport Aircraft rules, it combines a 39-foot wingspan with retractable landing gear and a single piston engine, allowing pilots to soar on thermals with the engine off or cruise under power when conditions don't cooperate. The Duckhawk's design emphasizes efficiency and versatility: it can be flown as a self-launching glider for cross-country soaring or as a conventional light sport aircraft for point-to-point travel. With a maximum takeoff weight of just 1,320 pounds and a stall speed below 40 knots in landing configuration, the Duckhawk operates from the same short grass strips and small airports that serve the broader LSA community. Its never-exceed speed of 150 knots and normal operating limit of 120 knots place it squarely in the recreational aviation category, though its glide performance when the engine is shut down far exceeds typical powered aircraft. The type appeals to pilots seeking the soaring experience without the logistical challenges of aerotow or ground launch, and to those who value the option to extend cross-country flights beyond gliding range. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, covering routes.