| A web video interview with Chuck
Slusarczyk from
Chuck's Glider Supplies, now CGS Hawk. |
|
CGS Aviation History
CGS Aviation grew out of "Chuck's Glider Supplies." In the
early 1970's, Chuck Slusarczyk designed, built, and sold hang
gliders and various associated supplies.
Shortly thereafter, he began experimenting with the powered
hang glider, propelled at that time by small direct-drive
go-kart engines. |
|
The propeller was bolted directly
to the crankshaft of the engine and turned at high (5-6,000 rpm)
speeds. Chuck realized that this design was not efficient.
With this shortcoming as impetus, Chuck successfully designed and
produced a power system implementing a reduction drive to turn a
larger-diameter, more efficient propeller. By 1977, Chuck's Glider
Supplies had become a leading manufacturer of hang gliders with a
successful division producing power plants for a variety of
ultralights. For his pioneering efforts, Chuck was awarded Patent No.
4.262.263, "Powered Hang Glider with Reduction Drive."
By 1979,
Chuck's Glider Supplies was manufacturing 80% of all drive systems
used in the ultralight industry.
In October, 1979, Chuck's Glider Supplies became CGS Aviation,
Inc. In early 1980, CGS conducted a market study to determine the
features of an ultralight most desired by pilots. The "Hawk" was the
end result of that study. The first prototype took to the air in
January, 1982.
The CGS Hawk's debut was in March, 1982, at Sun-in-Fun,
sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). There, the
findings of the market study were proven out as the Hawk took top
honors, winning Best New Design for 1982.
The Hawk again took top
honors for Outstanding New Design and Reserve Grand Champion that same
year at the EAA International Convention, held in August, 1982 in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. One year later, again in Oshkosh, the Hawk won the
prestigious Dupont Kevlar ARV (Air Recreational Vehicle) Design
Competition hands down over a field of over 126 ARV designs.
CGS
AVIATION
P.O. BOX 470635
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OHIO 44147 USA
(440) 632-1424
For a number of web video interviews on the CGS
Hawk line of ultralight, experimental and light sport aircraft
subscribe to the Ultralight Flyer web video magazine. |
