Fastest Light Sport Aircraft

One of the best and most interesting light sports planes does not come from the US - it comes from the heart of Europe - Slovenia.

Pipistrel

Obviously, the Virus SW 80/100 is the most economic high speed cruiser and definitely the fastest high-wing aeroplane in its category. Made from state-of-the-art composite materials, it’s lightweight, robust and features an unprecedented useful payload of more than 300 kg (660 lbs). Virus SW 80/100 offers what no competitor is able to offer and has won hearts of people world-wide and is the best seller since its introduction.

This planeis able to operate at all elevations from sea-level up to 15.000 feet, take-off and land from short runways and over obstacles thanks to unique airbrakes, is the quietest light aircraft and has one of the lowest operating costs in its category.

A real long-range 2-seater

It is true: Speed, efficiency and ultra-long range are signature for Pipistrel. Virus SW 80/100 cruises faster, goes much further and flies higher than the competitors, all this while burning less fuel! Imagine flying around at over 260 km/h (140 kts), easily overflying terrain higher than 4500 m (15.000 ft) and covering distances of over 1500 km (800 NM). With Virus SW 80/100 you can. All this and much more!

Because of it's superior aerodynamic efficiency, state-of-the-art composite material structure and lowest fuel consumption figures in the category, the Virus SW 80/100 is ideal for High speed cross-country flying, surveillance missions, ab-initio-, advanced and extreme manoeuvre training, aerial photography and high-mountain operations. Did you know that the Virus SW 80/100 has the glide ratio of 17:1 and can glide further in case of emergency than most aeroplanes?

Additionally, the Virus SW 80/100 can be adapted for Special Missions, including visual/IR camera gimbals, geographical surveys, trans-oceanic-range flights and more.

Double NASA winner

The Virus SW 80/100 plane is the only light aircraft that combines pure speed with unprecedented fuel economy. More than 100 units were already sold world-wide, winning the hearts and acclaims of private owners, aviation professionals, training organisations and military instructors alike, just like it won the NASA challenge. Twice! Since the victories at PAV challenge 2007 and NASA GAT centennial challenge 2008, the Virus SW 80/100 has been further refined and optimised for even better performance.

Two different engines available

This aircraft can be equipped by either the Rotax 912 UL2 (80 hp) or 912 ULS (100 hp) powerplants and a large variety of avionics options. The new 80 HP Virus SW 80/100 cruises at 246 km/h (133 kts), burning less than 13.6 liters per hour (3.6 gph). At 75% cruise-power-setting the 100 HP version speeds over the skies at 273 km/h (147 kts)! The ASTM-LSA version, equipped with the fixed pitch propeller cruises at 119 kts, burning 14.0 liters per hour (3.7 gph) This really speaks about the performance and economy of the new SW.