Pipistrel Taurus
Pipistrel · Slovenia · first flew 2000 · light aircraft
The Pipistrel Taurus is a Slovenian self-launching motor-glider with a retractable Rotax engine, designed for two pilots to soar cross-country without a tow-plane. Its composite construction and side-by-side seating make it one of the most practical compact motor-gliders available.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Self-launching motor-glider with retractable piston engine in fuselage spine |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Self-launching motor-glider with retractable piston engine in fuselage spine
- Side-by-side seating with large one-piece bubble canopy
- Long 14.97m tapered composite wing and T-tail
Identified by the side-by-side bubble canopy, mid-mounted tapered composite wing, T-tail, and the dorsal engine fairing housing the retractable propeller. The very clean fuselage without external engine nacelle distinguishes it from tractor motor-gliders.
Specifications
- The Pipistrel Taurus has a length of 6.74 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.97 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (side-by-side).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Pipistrel of Slovenia and first flown around 2000, the Taurus was designed to compete with established German and Austrian motor-gliders in the self-launching two-seat market. The Electro variant introduced an electric motor, making Pipistrel a pioneer in electric aviation.
Variants
The Taurus Electro replaced the Rotax with an electric motor and became the world's first two-seat electric aircraft to gain type certification; the G4 Electro was a four-seat demonstrator.
Where you'll see it
Operated by private owners and small gliding clubs across Europe and the USA; the Electro version attracted significant attention from aviation researchers and has been used in electric flight competitions.
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