Pipistrel Sinus
Pipistrel · Slovenia · first flew 1996 · light aircraft
The Pipistrel Sinus is a Slovenian motor glider combining the long-span wing of a sailplane with a modest Rotax engine, allowing soaring flight when conditions permit and powered cross-country when they do not.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | sleek composite fuselage with tandem seating under a long bubble canopy |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- high-aspect-ratio tapered wing spanning 15 metres giving glider-like proportions
- sleek composite fuselage with tandem seating under a long bubble canopy
- retractable or fixed undercarriage with a very clean aerodynamic profile
The very long tapered wing, glider-like proportions, tandem seating bubble canopy, and Pipistrel's distinctive smooth composite finish are recognising features.
Specifications
- The Pipistrel Sinus has a length of 6.68 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 232 km/h (144 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Pipistrel of Ajdovščina, Slovenia developed the Sinus in the mid-1990s as part of their range of efficient composite light aircraft. The 15-metre wingspan gives a glide ratio far superior to conventional light aircraft, and the Rotax 912 engine provides adequate cruise. Pipistrel has since expanded into electric aviation, but the Sinus remains a core touring motor glider.
Variants
The Sinus 912 is the standard Rotax-powered version; the Virus is a shortened-wing high-performance derivative optimised for speed rather than soaring.
Where you'll see it
Pipistrel Sinus aircraft are registered in the UK under LAA permit and BGA motor glider rules; they are popular with pilots who wish to combine cross-country touring with thermalling.
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