Efficient, Lean, Uplifting... The Pipistrel Virus Is The Uncommon LSA
There is little like it in all of sport aviation... an altogether different breed of Light Sport Aircraft designed to wrest every ounce of lift out of square inch of lifting area... with as little drag as possible. It's called the Pipistrel and two separate versions of the aircraft offer the Aero-Efficient Pilot to seek one of the most unique rides in the sport aviation universe.
The aircraft has quite the pedigree... More than 100 birds are already flying the globe and it has won the NASA challenge -- Twice. With additional victories at the PAV challenge 2007 and NASA GAT centennial challenge 2008, the current version of the Virus SW 80/100 has actually been improved since it picked up those accolades.
The Pipistrel can be equipped with either a 12- or 10-meter wingspan... as well as your choice of a Rotax 912 UL2 (80 hp) or 912 ULS (100 hp). It also boasts a number of avionics options. The 80 HP Virus SW 80/100 cruises at 133 kts, and burns less than 3.6 gph. At 75% cruise-power, the more powerful 100 HP version boogies at 147 kts... while the ASTM-LSA version (equipped with the fixed pitch propeller) cruises at 119 kts, and burns but 3.7 gph. The Pipistrel offers two seats and a 'useful payload' of 660 pounds.
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