Pipistrel Taurus Self Launch Glider, A closer look.

[@PipistrelCanada]

It's a "very technical" device called a 'yaw string' and is used to indicate a slipping or skidding condition while in flight.

[@RBAERO]

Is on my to buy list. Question about the retractable engine. How they maintain the propeller on the right position?

[@PipistrelCanada]

The plane in this video is powered by the rotax 503 (gasoline powered), but there is also an optional electric power plant. With the electric power plant, if you choose the high capacity 40 ampere hour batteries, you can climb a total of 8000 ft MTOW on a single charge. Battery options is the 20 ah (2x takeoffs to 2000 ft), 30ah (3x takeoffs to 2000 ft) and 40 ah (4x takeoffs to 2000 ft)

[@PipistrelCanada]

Approximately €90,000 for the gas version, €106,000 for the electric. Optional equipment is extra, shipping and taxes extra.

[@MusikCassette]

What makes the electric version more expansive?

[@VoidCosmonaut]

@@MusikCassette Tonnes of toxic waste required to make and then utilise the battery

[@MusikCassette]

@@VoidCosmonaut how much energy do you need to get the plane into the air?

[@MusikCassette]

@@VoidCosmonaut So here is my thinking: the hull should cost kine of the same. The Motor should be cheaper. So if we spend 16.000 or more on batteries alone - holy cow- that is a lot of batteries.

[@justicegusting2476]

I’ll take 2 of the gas motor versions, please. One in candy apple red 🍎. The other in tennis ball fluorescent yellow 🎾.

[@TheAbelinkin]

So nice! Creativety breathes life into all who partisipate in its beauty! Thats a beautiful glider.

[@TyCetto]

That is such a sweet plane!

[@PipistrelCanada]

there is a sensor and simple brake mechanism that stops the propellor from windmilling in the correct vertical position, at that point the engine is allowed to retract. If the engine is left up, there is an increased drag, but not nearly enough to cause any problems. The glide ratio is just reduced, but it still glides.

[@PipistrelCanada]

It's the "Propellor" It would effect the drag if the engine is turned off, but it is stored inside the fuselage by pushing a button while in flight, to make the glider just as aerodynamic as an unpowered glider.

[@thatguyalex2835]

Can this propeller be used in reverse (a windmill/Ram Air Turbine) to recharge the batteries during decent? :)

[@supercat380]

Pipistrel is a company with great potential and innovation! Their aircraft lead other aircraft by a mile in many factors, including performance.

[@CaptainCurt07]

🙌 *I learned to fly in Pipistrel Virus* love these planes 🙌

[@southernboy7791]

Dear Santa. Let's work out a good deal. You see that bad boy in that video? Well history will look upon you favourably if you bring me one of those on the 25th December 2019. Don't be a tough guy, don't be a fool. I'll catch up with you soon.

[@CabrioDriving]

Very interesting technology and glider. Keep on doing great things, Pipistrel!

[@PipistrelCanada]

Why doesn't 1:41 exist? The minimum sink glide speed is 58 knots, the minimum sink is 138fpm. This is fact. The glider travels 5873 feet forward per minute, while dropping 138 feet. 5873/138 is actually 42.55 to one. I'm being conservative to avoid "false advertising" claims. I'm not comparing it with your LS4, or 18m, just showing what it is, and what it does, and how nice it is to not need a towplane. We didn't win $1,350,000 from N.A.S.A. with this wing and fuselage design for nothing.

[@flochartingham2333]

Has your company or some other made any sort of strap on/retrofit/jettisonable lift assist?

[@KAMIKAZE-dk8xd]

This is horrible pr

[@stephenhowlett6345]

modern technology at its best. Beautiful to look at with its precision fitting and how long before we have a solar panel to recharge the battery in flight or even a windmill generator to recharge it.

[@EasternMerchant]

This is a true airplane! The Best kind! Engine for climbing & cruise, and gliding! I love it's organic and graceful design!

[@jderpz23]

I know, they are beautiful aircraft and gliders are mostly green too as they don’t use fuel like other aircraft

[@joshuamoore24_7]

I thought up a glider hybrid plane, a small 4stroke Liquid cooled engine, that powers an alternater a that charges the batteries and two brush less electric engines.

[@thatguyalex2835]

That actually is a great idea bro. :) Using gas/ethanol to power a generator when your battery runs low on a long flight. I like science/engineering also.

[@electrocatalyst]

Love the poster on the wall at 8:47!

[@PipistrelCanada]

Yes, they are to sustain power for the avionics battery during soaring. (separate from the starting battery)

[@9999plato]

So Cool! Not cheap but noting in aviation is cheap but I love that it is a self contained system.

[@PipistrelCanada]

Yes. The electric version has enough power (depending on which battery option is purchased) to get you up there either twice, or four times. The gasoline powered version holds 30L and burns 18L/hour. You can keep going until you run it out of gas. (don't really have to worry about the 30 min reserve since it's a glider anyway)

[@thatguyalex2835]

The electric version sounds cooler IMO, cos it means less pollution. I don't fly gliders, but I like learning about all sorts of tech, including aviation. :) Any differences on price between electric and gas versions in 2021, for any curious buyers?

[@PipistrelCanada]

Only tailwheel for the Taurus. (In Canada there is no tailwheel rating needed, but some transition training is a really good idea if you have only nosewheel experience.)

[@dicoll]

What a racket from that engine. Would love to hear the electric version.

[@CapricornGames]

Indeed. Hans is still an active pilot, with his age of 90 years. He owns an eta glider with a wingspan of 100ft.

[@PipistrelCanada]

Yes, It's easier, with the large wing span of 50' it isn't nearly as "squirrely" as a cub. Also the visibility out the front is completely unobstructed while taxiing.

[@vudusid9137]

Can you let the propellor windmill to charge the battery back up? Sorry if this is a noob question

[@colinmartin2003]

What a beautiful looking aircraft.

[@PipistrelCanada]

The US Dollar amount changes by the minute, so the best way to find out is to go to a foreign exchange website, and enter the amount to convert the rate for yourself. The only currency that remains constant is the Euro since the aircraft are manufactured in Europe.

[@PipistrelCanada]

Folds by electric actuator. when you switch the engine off, the air flow over the propellor forces it to "windmill" until a sensor tells when it is in the correct position, then it locks in place. Trailer price depends on which type of trailer, but between 10-15 thousand.

[@justicegusting2476]

It’s a beautiful thing.

[@CapricornGames]

A guy form my flight club did a 900 miles flew from north germany to south france 40 years, which is still the record over "grassland". In the mountains you can fly better, the record there is about 1900 miles. Of cause, both records where done without a motor ;)

[@Thechist781]

I won’t even bother to ask for the price. Judging for the characteristics and features of that toy the price must be very well beyond most people budget 😊

[@LCdrDerrick]

I'd go with the Stemme S10 anyway - but both are out of reach, certainly!

[@mag.alenhodzic7424]

This was recorded in Slovenia. Where the glider is made. I will go for virus. This one is lovely but too expensive

[@durantetest]

Wish my car's paint job looked that good. Very nice!

[@ashleywelch2143]

Surely go the 40Ah and have a bunch of solar panels down the back of the fuse? 2 hours later you're fully recharged and crossing blue holes.

[@electrocatalyst]

Would love to see the electric double-seater in action. Is there any chance to put more solar panels on it so it could charge while flying?

[@dayangafar6710]

Wonderful machine! I can t stop watching the videos. I wonder if you would install solar panels on wings maybe you could increase the power regeneration of batteries so the glider could get more autonomy. There is another video about a solar glider made by a couple in Italy and they did a great job. Is

[@adayinthelife5772]

That is one sweet glider

[@robert100xx]

A great pity it isn't certified for flight in The UK.

[@dodgeplow]

Very nice trailer

[@oxm18]

Slovenia!!

[@joharinichols2652]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Question... Are there any glider planes like this with room for a small clothing bag? Another question... This one is a 2 seater, but do you have to have 2 in order to fly it? Thanks.

[@ryantoomey611]

They should put solar panels on the wings so the battery can recharge in flight.

[@Ayoobmarafie]

not worth it as if i remember correctly, the energy needed for the extra weight of the solar panels and accessories is more than the energy provided by solar panels capable of charging mid flight.

[@edojap]

instead they could use the propeller as a reverse energy generator by counter rotating with the wind when it glides.

[@saildapper2001]

Beautiful wing.

[@Hutzpahh]

You did a great job on the video. Are those solar panels on the top of the glider?

[@Paiadakine]

what amount of crosswind can this plane handle?

[@antd8667]

Could save power with a electrical variable prop

[@MrF1fanatic]

Can the engine be re-deployed in flight to extend flight time? What is the fuel capacity and how much run time to the motor does it give? How does it compare to the electric motor? Very cool.

[@cannack]

the electric motor only runs for about 17 minutes, enough to takeoff and get to around 6,500 feet

[@PipistrelCanada]

The Climb capability of the Taurus Electro depends on the Battery capacity you order with the plane, and the temperature at the time of takeoff. With the highest capacity 40 Ah battery option, with outside temperatures (battery initial temperature) of 25 degC or less, we can go straight to 8500 ft above take off elevation. On a 40degC day with the canopy closed, you get a 4500 ft climb (above take-off elevation) before the battery is at it's maximum temperature. We are seeing an increase in battery temperature of 18 degC per 1000 m of climb at the nominal climb power setting of 28 kW (5.5 degC per 1000 ft). This is pretty consistent whether you start with a cold or warm battery. (You can do 40 kW for one minute only, at takeoff.) If you're good at gliding, you usually only need about 1000 ft of altitude to get flying for the entire day!

[@antdx316]

PipistrelCanada can u take off and land anywhere? I mean, class D airspace obviously u don't have to use a "runway" but a field that is open?

[@CapricornGames]

Old planes are awesome too. I flew with 21, DG1000 and Twin Astir, but they are nothing compared to the 13.

[@MegaHeatdrive]

if i'm not mistaken, the thing coming out from the fuselage is wind turbine right...? doesn't this thing will effect the drag and reduce the aerodynamics of the aircraft?..sorry for my bad English.

[@SuperReasonable]

Nice, but I’d like more span and less weight on the undercarriage for what must be a relatively heavy glider.

[@PipistrelCanada]

It is best to have two people to disassemble/assemble the wings. There is a removable wing tip option removed in about one minute per wingtip, making it easy to fit a forty foot hangar door. I'm not familiar with the U.S. regulations, since I'm in Canada... try the pipistrel-usa website for your local information

[@lightfoot500]

if i only had money...

[@thegoodlistenerslistenwell2646]

Why no solar panels?

[@jejurij]

that beauty comes from Slovenia

[@fifi23o5]

+VendPrekmurec daj se najprej informiraj, namesto, da kvasiš neumnosti. Pipistrel se NE seli v Italijo, tja se širi, za to pa ima kar precej pametnih razlogov.

[@thedrewlook]

Is the gas version still available considering the limited stock of Rotax 503 engines?

[@Thomas1980]

wow...great

[@MegaHeatdrive]

what will happen if the engine is turned off and let the propeller moving like wind turbine during the flight due to the airflow, does the plane will crash due to the drag?

[@MegaHeatdrive]

wow, i'm very satisfied with your answer sir..., i though that the propeller would windmilling and become the power generator..... :p..haha, i'm wrong...

[@telosfd]

Beautiful!

[@randomdude9269]

You came back after 5 years?

[@telosfd]

@@randomdude9269 Yeah!!!!!

[@fifi23o5]

Well, here you're wrong! I know that for fact, I flew it! I flew in pair with DG-300 and Taurus has just a little bit better L/D, but DG-300 is at higher speed. In narrow thermals Taurus outclimbes virtually any glider. If you don't believe me ask Klaus Ohlmann. In good weather on a cross-country you'll probably be better, in bad weather I'm not so sure. You can't claim it's better overall since they're totally different by definition (standard class vs UL 2 seater). Try it and comment then!

[@i0.0t]

How does the prop fold back into the fuse? Is there a thing to make the prop vertical in the fold stage? Also, how much is the trailer?

[@johnmaxwellstonham7177]

I would have a go at record braking in central Australia.

[@alisonmaschmeier8850]

This is actually really cool looking, but to me I would rather fly the one that is brought up by aero or wench. I guess because to me the propeller is like an engine and would take the thrill out of it for me

[@PipistrelCanada]

We put an optional tow attach point on the nose and belly for both aero tow and winch launch for people who want to launch the "old fashioned way". Works good for the glider clubs, train with others on the weekend, fly all alone when no one else is around on the week days.

[@PeaceNinja007]

I don't know much about gliders but wouldn't it be a good idea to install a Tesla battery to power the propellers and in addition to that, once airborne, turn the props off, glide around like any other sailplane, and allow the natural moving wind continue to move the propellers and regenerate the batteries like a wind turbine??? REPLY

[@ardvarkkkkk1]

Peace Ninja A free wheeling propeller acts like a flat plate, It would drag him right down. What you are describing would be a perpetual motion machine. There is always a loss somewhere to keep that from working.

[@Peertje1982]

It won't be a good idea, far to heavy,and the regen is a lot of drag. (a tesla only regen while braking, and a airplane normaly don't brake while flying)

[@ssn608]

Regeneration doesn't make much sense for this high performance glider, BUT another of Pipistrel's electric aircraft (the Pipistrel Alpha Electro) is designed as a primary trainer airplane. "This airplane’s job is all about flying airport traffic patterns. Its battery endurance is approximately one hour, so a pilot wanting to fly locally and practice takeoffs and landings has plenty of time. “It will outlast the student pilot’s endurance,” says Pipistrel Chief Engineer Tine Tomazic, who says that the propeller is designed to regenerate electrical power when it’s windmilling, or at lower power settings. In a sense, the propeller can act as a sort of wind turbine, capable of partially recharging the batteries in flight. “For six trips around the pattern, you get an extra circuit for free,” Tomazic says of the propeller’s charging capability." (from www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2015/october/pilot/f_pipistrel)

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

Talk to performance EV manufacturers they classify regen as almost a gimmick because the benefit is minimal

[@remi277]

what were the airplanes in the back at the beginning

[@fifi23o5]

There is no trike version. Almost all gliders are equipped with tail wheel or skid.

[@boater5797]

Gorgeous and intelligent design. Assuming it didn't randomly evolve. :)

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

beautiful

[@markb4413]

Could be the future of glider flight training. Don't think it currently fits any approval category in the UK, where I live.

[@thegliderhub5101]

well grob 109, stemme s10 and motor falkes fly in the UK

[@hafizuddinmohdlowhim8426]

It's wobbling

[@PlatinumRow]

Hello How much will one of these cost ? because i have yet to find a low cost self launching glider ! thanks

[@aab7537]

Pretty cool.

[@happyinlift4881]

it's a lovely sailplane, how much landed in Canada?

[@arc1342]

im a total nub...but how far can i fly with a glider like this?...around the world?

[@MatthewTaylor3]

I want to try this

[@inekemateman273]

The name Pipistrel alone?

[@mikeholt7881]

How do you adjust C of G if you're flying solo? Thanks.

[@jwboll]

There is a small water ballast tank in the nose for solo flights of light weight pilots.

[@StickandGlider]

Love it

[@grabir01]

Fantastic !!

[@galbar-or7851]

What's the glide ratio? and what are the weight limits?

[@footsy420]

i think it said 41 to 1.

[@kentuckyblugrass]

Can the prop be deployed in flight?

[@PipistrelCanada]

Yes (at a safe altitude)

[@skipauto]

Do you need your PPL or can you fly with a gliders licence?

[@PipistrelCanada]

+Chris Begemann A glider license is all you need. You can also order it with an aero tow attachment, or a winch tow attachment , or both, if you are wanting to stay proficient using those types of launch methods.

[@PilotZCoyfox]

Wowee... Do you have to have a tailwheel rating to fly it? or is there a trike wheel version?

[@ssn608]

I don't know about Canada, but in the US, there is no "tailwheel" endorsement for gliders, only airplanes. I was a 700 hour airplane pilot when I got my glider rating in lieu of bienneal Flight Review. I did not have a tailwheel endorsement, but the motorglider I was flying had a tailwheel, not a nose wheel. Didn't need to get a tailwheel endorsement to fly it. But the down side was that it didn't count as tailweel time, and if I want to go fly a Cub, for example, I'll still need to get my tailwheel endorsement.

[@AlexLegendri]

Very interesting !

[@johnmaxwellstonham7177]

I guess it's electric, how long battery charge, performance with one pilot. Just gliding, LD.

[@micheals1992]

what is the fuel economy of this thing? like MPG or Litres/100km? I suspect it'd be pretty good.

[@PipistrelCanada]

It's not meant to be flown long distances with the engine running. The engine is only for launching the aircraft, similar to how a conventional glider would use a winch or towplane to get off the ground. Once the Taurus is high enough to find lift (usually one to two thousand feet off the ground), the engine is then stowed away and the plane uses thermal or ridge lift to maintain flight. At that point an experienced pilot can fly all day without using any fuel at all. When the engine is running, it consumes approximately 0.3 litres of fuel per minute, while climbing approximately 800 feet per minute. Realistically, you can taxi, takeoff, and climb to a good soaring altitude using less than 2 litres of fuel. Fuel capacity is 30 litres, with 27 litres of useful fuel.

[@micheals1992]

PipistrelCanada I know that you don't fly with the engine running... I wanted to know what the range would be like (say if you wanted to do long distance gliding), as you loose altitude you would need to use the engine to regain altitude if you didn't have any thermals or ridge lift (which would be likely if you was flying over flat terrain in a straight line)

[@KevinP32270]

FREAKING EPIC.

[@nunugod4327]

I want buy it.. awesome

[@johnmaxwellstonham7177]

Aprox. Cost landed in Australia

[@MrWarrenwest]

Very kool can you say moto glider?

[@oNe6868]

Do you need license to fly

[@benthurber5363]

Definitely at the top of my "I have $120K to burn" list.

[@TheMiguelosky]

look the Fly Syntesis Texan

[@mickcarson8504]

How much does it cost in AU dollars?

[@kuglerfamily4217]

Mick Carson much

[@MegaControltv]

Hermoso glider !! Y Avion 😄

[@onebigkahuna69]

Very nice and i wish i had the money.

Uh... carbon fibre avionics... Couldn't you showcase a full-feature version? :|

[@LSVFlachkurbler]

was the 42.55 really measured ? These are all numbers that look good on paper but will never be reached in real live. Apart from the fact that even Dick Johnson or the Akaflieg can't measure any plane to anything more accurate that +-1 in the glide ratio and they need extremly calm air conditions for that. All you can try is compare it to other well known planes if you fly together. Try this with the Taurus against the LS4 which has a 1:40 glide ratio and lets talk again then.

[@murfleblurg]

That's beautiful. Can you restart the engine in flight?

[@ssn608]

Yes.

[@Sir.YeetusIII]

I wanna fly it

[@telosfd]

Magic!!!!!!!!!

[@dukeinlondon]

Dream machine