Elster B

Single Piston

The Elster B is a German single-seat motorglider designed by Dipl.-Ing. Günter Rochelt and produced in limited numbers during the 1990s and early 2000s. Built primarily for soaring enthusiasts who wanted self-launch capability without sacrificing glide performance, the Elster B combines a slender sailplane fuselage with a small two-stroke engine that retracts into the fuselage behind the cockpit when not in use. With a wingspan of 15 meters and an empty weight of just 260 kilograms, it achieves a glide ratio exceeding 30:1 in pure sailplane mode, making it competitive with non-powered gliders of its era. The retractable powerplant allows pilots to launch from conventional airports, climb to soaring altitude, then shut down and retract the engine to minimize drag during thermal or ridge soaring. Maximum takeoff weight is 650 pounds, and the type's never-exceed speed of 135 knots reflects its composite construction and aerobatic certification for basic maneuvers. Though never mass-produced, the Elster B remains a cult favorite among European motorglider pilots who value its elegant engineering and dual-mode versatility. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with distinct routes observed.