"Double Podium" For Sinus 912 And Virus SW 100

In the recently-completed Paris-Madrid Green Air Challenge, Pipistrel aircraft finished first and third in a contest which places a premium on efficiency.

Pipistrel Sinus 912

The Sinus 912 is an ultra-long-range motorglider, which  won the FAI World Championship in 2001, and took the vice-champion title in 2005. It accomplished the   the first solo, unassisted, Around the World Flight in the FAI sub 500 kg class in 2004.

Virus SW 80/100 is Pipistrel's flagship, which won both NASA Centennial Challenges, the PAV in 2007 and GAT Challenge in 2008 as "the world's best and most fuel efficient light aircraft." The Virus SW 80/100 is the most economic high speed 2-seat cruiser and definitely the fastest high-wing aeroplane in its category. Made from state-of-the-art composite materials it is lightweight, robust and features an has unprecedented useful payload of more than 660 lbs when flown in the LSA category. Virus SW 80/100 fully conforms ultralight/microlight category rules, including the stall speed of 40 mph and excellent low speed handling.

Pipistrel Virus

The Paris-Madrid 2011 efficiency race celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Morane-Saulier race between Paris and Madrid back in 2011. Just like the original event, the 2011 race, named Green Air Challenge, promotes the "conception of innovative aircraft that are superior from the aerodynamic, engine and structural point of view".

Sinus 912 (registration F-JRZQ) piloted by Michail Anastatiou, won the race by a large margin. Virus SW 100 (registration F-JSER) piloted by Pierre Cormi took third place. Each team had to fly the distance between Paris and Madrid in several legs, totalling  663 nm as quickly and efficiently as possible, while performing a noise emission test half-way through the race. Criteria for the calculation of the final result included: Speed, Payload Capability, Fuel Consumption, Range distance, Noise Emissions and Safety Features.

The company extends congratulations to the winning pilots on these fantastic achievements and extend our compliments to the race organisers for their green flight initiative.

FMI: www.pipstrel.si