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| STANDARD DATA: Seats 4. Gross wt. 2,550. Empty wt. 1,538. Fuel capacity 52-68. Engine 195-hp Teledyne Continental. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 153. Cruise mph 149. Stall mph 54. Initial climb rate 870. Ceiling 17,000. Range 506-73 1. Takeoff distance (50') 1,360. Landing distance (50') 1,345. |
The Hawk XP is a single-engine airplane introduced by Cessna in 1977. Utilizing a 195-hp fuel-injected powerplant turning a constant-speed propeller, it offers the pilot 1,000 pounds of useful load and a 150-mph cruising speed for cross-country transportation. It was Cessna's attempt to add another option to the four-place airplane market. The Hawk combines optimum payload, speed, and climb performance for the moderate price bracket. Its 76-inch propeller delivers takeoff thrust at a low 2,600 RPM, thus reducing internal and external noise levels. Even with full fuel (49 useful gallons), the plane has 707 pounds of useful load remaining. At gross weight it can clear a 50-foot obstacle in 80 feet less than the Skyhawk/100 and 40 feet less than the Cardinal.
Like most other single-engine Cessnas, the Hawk incorporates flap control with multiple settings, a ver-nier fuel mixture control and a reengineered instrument panel. Rudder trim was included as standard equipment. In 1979, optional integral fuel cells increased usable fuel to 66 gallons for a range of 938 miles with a 45-minute reserve. Flap extension is permitted at 127 mph (110 knots) compared to 98 mph (85 knots) on pre-1979 models. In addition to the standard four seats, an optional child's seat could be added for extra seating capacity. With the 1981 model year, handling characteristics of the XP were significantly improved by the addition of rounded leading edges on the elevators. The forces required during landing flare were reduced, balked-landing climb capability was enhanced, and trim requirements during flap-setting changes were reduced.
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