Pipistrel Virus Sw

Single Piston

The Pipistrel Virus SW is a Slovenian-designed high-performance motorglider that bridges the gap between pure sailplanes and conventional light aircraft. Built by Pipistrel Aircraft of Ajdovščina, Slovenia, and introduced in the mid-2000s, the Virus combines a slender composite fuselage with a high-aspect-ratio wing optimized for both powered cruise and soaring flight. Its 80-horsepower Rotax 912 engine delivers a cruise speed around 135 knots while sipping fuel at roughly 3.5 gallons per hour, making it one of the most efficient touring aircraft in its class. The type qualifies as a Light Sport Aircraft in the United States and an ultralight in Europe, opening it to a broad pilot base seeking cross-country performance without the operating costs of heavier singles. Flight schools prize the Virus for its docile handling, excellent visibility, and forgiving stall characteristics: stall speed with full flaps is just 37 knots, and the glide ratio exceeds 20:1 with the engine at idle. The aircraft's 49-foot wingspan and clean aerodynamics allow it to climb rapidly in thermals when flown as a motorglider, yet it remains stable and responsive in turbulence during powered cross-country legs. Pipistrel's attention to composite construction keeps the empty weight below 650 pounds, leaving useful load for two occupants and baggage even within the 1,320-pound LSA limit. SkyMeter has tracked 389 flights across 94 airframes and 23 operators, with MESA AIRLINES INC the largest observed operator.