Effective immediately, Pipistrel are announcing that the second generation of the electric-powered two-seat self-launching glider Taurus Electro is now in serial production and available to customers world-wide. More than 20 happy owners will receive their aircraft by the end of 2011 alone!

 Pipistrel has kept their promise  -  the  Taurus ( piston engine Rotax 503) and the Taurus Electro G2 cost the same   !!! 

 NB  A pure glider Taurus is also available and if of course cheaper.

 The Taurus Electro G2 is the only electric 2-seat aeroplane in serial production available on the market. Furthermore, Pipistrel believes it is the only truly useful electric aircraft out there, because the electric drive is applied to the glider airframe, where battery capacity is not a limiting factor in performance/endurance. Taurus Electro G2 represents a leap forward in performance, safety, functionality and user friendliness.

 For the first time electric power outperforms its gasoline-powered counterpart – the Taurus and can also use a shorter runway, climb faster and  performs much better than the gasoline-powered version when it comes to high altitude operations.  All this is possible thanks to the specially-developed emission-free Pipistrel’s 40kW electric power-train.

 The motor peaks at 40 kW for take-off  and allows continuous climbing at 30 kW power. It is controlled by a specially developed power inverter/controller and governed by the cockpit ESYS-MAN instrument. All components are networked via CAN-bus, feature proprietary multilayer protection logic and produce a true throttle-by-wire experience. More information about this pioneering system and what it does for the pilot is available at http://www.pipistrel.si/plane/taurus-electro/.

 The tailor-made Lithium-technology batteries come in two configurations, with  2 climbs to 3,000 ft. agl or with an optional battery pack (3-4 min changeover)  you can get another  2 climbs to 3000 ft. agl . In  reality  that is four climbs a day, which with a 41:1 glider are not often needed.

 The result is a full featured maintenance-free electric power-train, that can be retrofitted into existing gasoline powered Taurus  gliders and will be offered for integration into third party platforms as well. With Pipistrel, it is all about safety, more performance and fewer emissions.

 Taurus Electro G2 conforms with EU microlight standards as well as FAA ASTM standards for the airframe. Pipistrel is working with authorities to obtain full certification in the coming months.

 DULV, the German microlight Authority has been very helpful  in certifying  pioneering electric-flight technologies for which Pipistrel give special thanks to Mr Konrad, Mr Spitzer and their team.

 Taurus Electro G2 will make its first public appearance at AERO 2011 Friedrichhafen, where it will also compete for the Berblinger prize registered as D-METD. Numerous other certifications, including France, South Africa and USA are expected by the end of 2011.

 Also at AERO 2011, Pipistrel is unveiling another World’s first – the concept of Flying For Free. Pipistrel developed the Solar Trailer, which can charge-up the Taurus Electro G2 in as little as 5 hours absolutely free of charge and with zero emissions!

 Furthermore, when the Taurus Electro G2 is stored in the trailer charging will continue and be ready to fly by the next weekend. The Solar Trailer and Taurus Electro G2 are perfect companions and demonstrate how it is possible to fly free of charge, quietly and with absolutely zero emissions, with today’s technology !  This changes everything, again.

UPDATE February 2011  – Piper and the Czech manufacturer of the Sportcruiser have severed links, so there is no longer a Piper light sport aircraft. 

None the less the performance and gliding characteristics are intersting.

It is perhaps timely then, to compare two of the Pipistrel aircraft with  the new Cessna Skycatcher and the Sportcruiser (was Piper)  light sport aircraft.

 *  New Zealand dollar prices, shipping & GST may apply,  level of equipment may vary

The two Pipistrel aircraft cost no more ( maybe even less) and yet:

• The Sinus is the most versatile, as a very economical cross country cruiser at more than 40 mpg, a training aircraft, & a glider
• The Virus SW has much higher performance than the Cessna & Piper  - a  little “rocket ship”
• Pipistrel are world leaders in  innovation
• Pipistrel build quality is exceptionally high
• Both use the legendary Rotax engines
• The airframes are very simple, and  maintenance is minimal

For Pipistrel New Zealand contact Alan Clarke on 021 400 120

Alan is based in Kerikeri and has a Sinus demonstrator aircraft

Flights are available almost anytime

These awards, sponsored by HSBC have thrust the Pipistrel company into the limelight receiving the recognition they so rightly deserve. More than 15,000 companies entered these business awards which are judged by 51 independent and international judges which consist of highly regarded academics, heads of state, industrialists, entrepreneurs and media commentators drawn from across 27 member European countries. Pipistrel was presented with their award in Paris on November 16 finishing another significant year in Pipistrel’s history.

Pipistrel is the world’s leading motorglider aircraft designer and producer. Based in Slovenia, they were established in 1987 as the first private aircraft producer in the former Yugoslavia. Production in 2009 grew by 50%, the workforce increased by 10%. 98% of Pipistrel’s revenue is generated from export markets and the company is a leading exporter for Slovenia. Pipistrel’s major innovation launched recently is ‘Taurus-Electro’, the world’s first 2-seater electric propulsion aircraft with a new four seater aircraft in the final stages of development.

Ivo Boscarol, the general manager of Pipistrel, says…
“Everyone at Pipistrel, me especially, feels extremely honoured to be chosen as the category winner. I am literally at a loss for words. Together with the two NASA awards, this is the most important award Pipistrel has received in our 23-years of existence. I would like to thank the judges for this great honour, the organisers for a splendid event today in Paris and all the sponsors for making this possible.
Pipistrel is a small, family-owned establishment so every success and award, especially one of such large, international scale, is a huge compliment to us. Among other recipients are international companies with many hundred employees. For Pipistrel to be considered the best in the category is an enormous compliment. The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies. To be considered the most innovative company in the European Union is a success that exceeded our wildest dreams. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially the entire team Pipistrel for their support and contribution!“.

View a short presentation from the Wall Street Journal on the business awards