When the CGS Hawk Classic was introduced to the world at the Sun-n-Fun Air Show, Lakeland, Fl. in the spring of 1982, it was the first fully enclosed ultralight. The features of this time honoured classic were the direct result of a year long market study conducted by CGS to see what pilot's really wanted in an ultralight. This survey showed the most desired features were: fully enclosed cockpit with removable doors (for summer flying enjoyment), full 3 axis control, true aircraft flaps (not flaperons), strut braced wing and tail, choice of tricycle gear (with steerable nose wheel) or taildragger (with steerable tail wheel), and a pusher engine. All of these are standard features on all CGS Hawk models to this day.

The basic model includes wing struts that are round tubing, and incorporate jury struts. The wing design has a double surface flat bottomed airfoil for stable flight characteristics. The nose is rounded on the bottom and the windshield has a flatter angle than the CGS Hawk Arrow models. Flaps (not flaperons) are standard equipment on all Hawks and are very effective in increasing climb rate and decreasing landing distance. At the heart of the Hawk's unique design is its curved boom tube (which has never been successfully copied by any other ultralight manufacturer). The curved boom allows the horizontal stabilizer to be placed up and above the down wash of the wing, especially when flaps are deployed. Another benefit of the curve is shorter landing gear legs making it easier to get in and out of your plane. The curved boom also is stronger in torsion than a straight boom, and allows the airplane to rotate for take offs and landings in a normal fashion without banging the boom on the ground. It is also aesthetically pleasing to look at.