Tue, Feb 15, 2011
Pipistrel Rolls Out Next Generation Self-Launching Two-Place
glider
The second generation of the electric-powered two-seat
self-launching glider Taurus Electro is now in serial production
and available to customers world-wide. Pipistrel announced in a
news release Monday that more than 20 owners will receive their
aircraft by the end of 2011.
Taurus Electro G2 is the only electric 2-seat airplane in serial
production available on the market. Pipistrel claims it is the only
truly useful electric aircraft flying, because the electric drive
is applied to the glider airframe, where battery capacity is not a
limiting factor in performance/endurance. Taurus Electro G2
represents a leap forward in performance, safety, functionality and
user friendliness.
Pipistrel says the Taurus Electro G2 can use a shorter runway,
climbs faster and is performs much better than the gasoline-powered
version when it comes to high altitude operations. All this is
possible thanks to the specially-developed emission-free
Pipistrel's 40kW electric power-train. The motor peaks at 40 kW for
take-off and allows continuous climbing at 30 kW power. It is
controlled by a specially developed power inverter/controller and
governed by the cockpit ESYS-MAN instrument. All components are
networked via CAN-bus, feature proprietary multilayer protection
logic and produce a true throttle-by-wire experience.
The tailor-developed Lithium-technology batteries come in two
configurations, capable of launching the aeroplane to 1200 m (4000
ft) or 2000 m (6500 ft) respectively. They are placed in
self-contained boxes, monitored constantly by the super-precise
Pipistrel's own battery management system (BMS), compete with
data-logging and battery health forecasting. The result is a full
featured maintenance-free electric powertrain, that can be
retrofitted into existing gasoline powered Taurus gliders and
will be offered for integration into third party platforms as well.
With Pipistrel, it is all about safety, more performance and fewer
emissions.
Taurus Electro G2 conforms with EU microlight standards as well
as FAA ASTM standards for the airframe. Pipistrel is working with
authorities to obtain full certification in the coming months.
DULV, the German microlight Authority has demonstrated exceptional
readiness to certify pioneering electric-flight technologies.
Taurus Electro G2 will make its first public appearance at AERO
2011 Friedrichshafen, where it will also compete for the Berblinger
prize registered as D-METD. Numerous other certifications,
including France, South Africa and USA are expected by the end of
2011.
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