First Ever High-Performance Side-By-Side LSA Glider Introduced By Pipstrel

At first glance, the Taurus LSA looks like a conventional glider ... as long as its 50HP retractable engine is folded away in its storage compartment behind the cockpit. Pipstrel, a Slovenian aircraft builder, says the Taurus LSA is the first ever high-performance two-seat self-launching glider with all of the advantages of the LSA category.

Taurus LSA is equipped with an impressive 50 HP retractable engine, which Pipstrel says allows for completely unassisted takeoffs even on supershort runways and glider fields. Takeoff distance is less than 600ft even when fully loaded, and the rate of climb settles at the 600 fpm mark. And "fully loaded" isn't skimpy. Pipstrel says the MTOW has been increased to 1210 lbs, which provides for an impressive payload of more than 550 lbs, enough for two good-sized people.

The Taurus LSA will climb to 3000 ft AGL is less than 6 minutes, at which point the Intelligent Engine Control System takes over. The system is fully automated, making sure that the propeller has positioned itself correctly and retracts the engine for you while you concentrate on finding that perfect lift. Built-in safety even prevents inadvertent start-ups or retractions of the engine. As a glider, Taurus LSA has a glide ratio of 41:1 and features 5-stage flaperons to improve the performance at all speeds.

The Taurus LSA cockpit is configured side-by-side, and specially optimized for tall pilots. Side-by-side seating arrangement makes communication between the pilots simple. Full dual controls are reachable to both pilots and the pedals, seats, headrest and ventilation are fully adjustable, even during flight.

There's even room for your stuff, with side pockets for each pilot and a roomy baggage compartment behind the seat with space for an oxygen system as well. The baggage compartment is accessible during flight!

For ground handling, the Taurus LSA features two parallel, robust main landing gear to achieve ground stability and a steerable tail wheel.

The glider features the Safety Cockpit Concept. The entire cabin area is encased with energy absorbing structures made from Kevlar fibre, which maintains the integrity of the cabin. Together with our special Safety Cockpit Concept the Taurus can also be equipped with the ballistic parachute rescue system.

And for those who are ready to be even a little more green, the Taurus Electro (above) is a fully electric-powered version of the Taurus LSA with same performance.

FMI: www.pipistrel-usa.com