The single-seat Hovey Beta Bird was first flown at Mojave, California, in April 1979.
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Hovey Beta Bird is powered by a 1,385cc converted VW engine and offers the homebuilder-simplified methods of construction. The wings fold for transport or storage. The fuselage pod is plywood and spruce construction with a stiffened aluminum tailboom to support the tail. The wings are spruce in a two-spar configuration, and the ribs are single-piece aluminum tubes. The tail group is fabricated from aluminum tubing, pop-riveted together with gussets, and covered with Dacron. Only 250 feet are needed for takeoff and landing, and the 7.5 gallons of fuel yield 180 miles.
STANDARD DATA:
- Gross wt. 6’6″.
- Length 16’11”.
PERFORMANCE:
- Top mph 85.
- Cruise mph 80.
- Stall mph 40.
- Climb rate 500.
- Takeoff run (50) 400.
- Landing run (50′) 400.
- Range 180.