This extensively modified Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer served as a small scale flying testbed during the early stages of the GAFHawk's development. This little aircraft, dubbed the "Minihawk" by Hawk Industries, was registered as N6911B and first flew in 1978. The similarities with the GAFHawk are obvious, not only in the fuselage, but also in the design of the wing.

The engine was removed when the Minihawk was no longer needed, leaving the aircraft without its front section. Apparently someone welded some plating together to give this aircraft its nose back, before it was put on display at Joshua Tree/Roy Williams Airport in California. There it now swivels freely on a pole, acting as a windsock. Photo taken in May 2004, by AirNikon.