Pipistrel has announced the Taurus LSA, claiming it’s the “first ever high-performance two-seat self-launching glider,” and the company is encouraging green-minded pilots to inquire about the company’s electric version. The standard aircraft is heavy on advanced systems including a flip and forget switch for retracting or extending the internally stowed powerplant; and a mass trim system that drives “trim fluid” to different parts of the aircraft to properly balance it for single or dual occupant flight. The aircraft also carries a kevlar reinforced cockpit structure, a huge clear canopy, and can be fitted with an optional full-plane parachute system. Pipistrel claims a 41:1 glide ratio and says the aircraft can easily achieve a 78-knot cruise with its standard 50-hp Rotax that burns 3.1 gph when turned up for 90 kts. Those numbers hold firm for the aptly named Taurus Electro (the electric powered version), according to the company, which offers more interesting technology in the Taurus package not usually seen in an LSA, or the Taurus’ price range.

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