Pipistrel Taurus

Taurus M is the World’s first side-by-side ultralight powered glider! It offers complete freedom and independence thanks to the retractable engine, double retractable main landing gear, excellent gliding performance, inexpensive maintenance and a well ventilated spacious cockpit.

Taurus M is the only two-seat glider with a 15-meter wing-span and it is also the most independent in operation. Equipped with a powerful, yet fully retractable high-performance 50 HP fuel engine and double retractable main undercarriage, the Taurus can go gliding wherever and whenever you want. When others will be waiting for a helper to connect the tow rope and hold the wingtip for take-off, you will already be far away and flying for hours in the Taurus M.
Worth noting is also the ease of assembling the glider. Taurus is the easiest 2-seat glider to assemble, due to its automatic control connections and the fact that one wing only weighs 40 kg (90 lbs).

Powerful take-off and climb
From take-off to 500 m (1650 ft) she only needs 3 minutes, 6 minutes to 1000 m (3300 ft) and 10 minutes to 1500 m (5000 ft). Then, reaching target altitude you shut down and retract the engine at a flick of a switch - literally. It may seem unspectacular but Taurus outperforms even single-seat self launching gliders when it comes to take-off and climb!

Gliding performance
Gliding takes on a new meaning when you start taking advantage of the excellent 1:41 glide ratio coupled with 5 flaperon settings and head to your next waypoint… Flying is much more fun in the side-by-side cockpit arrangement where you can easily share tasks with your copilot, conduct lessons or simply small talk with your friend.

Safety
Safety is our primary concern. This is why Taurus features the Safety Cockpit Concept. The entire cabin area is encased with energy absorbing structures made from Kevlar fibre, an amazing material which maintains the integrity of the cabin and makes it safe also in case of stronger impacts. Together with our special Safety Cockpit Concept the Taurus can also be equipped with the ballistic parachute rescue system, which saves the complete aircraft together with the crew in case of severe emergencies.

Intelligent engine control system
The intelligent engine control system will do everything by itself, making sure the propeller has positioned itself correctly and retracting the engine for you, while you concentrate on finding that perfect lift! Built-in safety will even prevent inadvertent start-up or retractions of the engine!

A vroom with the view
The cockpit of the Taurus is very long and comfortable. Even the really tall pilots will have no problems fitting inside. Side-by-side seating arrangement makes communication between the pilots perfect, unlike conventional tandem two-seaters. Full dual controls are reachable to both pilots and the pedals, seats, headrest and ventilation can be adjusted to suit your body size and needs in just seconds, also during flight. A special ergonomically shaped instrument panel houses all the instruments you will ever want without obstructing the excellent view in all directions. There are side pockets for each pilot and a roomy baggage compartment behind the seats with space for an oxygen system as well.

Taurus is made in highest technology composites (epoxy resin, glass fibre, carbon fibre, kevlar fibre and honeycomb structures). The airfoil used on wings is ORL 170, (F. Orlando).