PIPISTREL

Pipistrel originated in mid-1980s when partners Ivo Boscarol and Bojan Sajovic began building flex-wing trikes. First major design was Ajdovščina, of which 32 built between 1989 and December 1992, including exports to Italy (these first private Yugoslav exports of light aircraft). Also began producing ground-adjustable pitch propellers, of which 1,400 built by 2000. Pipistrel Plus flex-wing entered production in 1990; more than 200 now sold. Supplied flex-wings to Croatian Army in 1991. Spider flex-wing entered production in 1992; more than 150 produced.
Company formally established as Pipistrel d.o.o. on 18 November 1992 and supplied flex- wings to Italian Army's special forces in following year. Twister flex-wing introduced 1998. Moved to new premises at Ajdovščina aerodrome in 2001; workforce 18. Production rate four aircraft per month in mid-2003. Construction of new assembly facility at Ajdovščina airport (more than 2,000 m²; 21,528 sq ft) started 5 September 2003; completed 2004; enabled immediate increase in output from four aircraft per month to seven, aiming to reach 10 per month by mid-2005. Sinus/Virus production reached 200 total in March 2006.
In 2000, Pipistrel began design of Arcus ultralight, no details of which have yet been published. In 2005 the company also began deliveries of the Taurus self-launching ultralight sailplane which has a ‘pop-up’ Rotax 503 engine and made its maiden flight on 15 May 2004. Company now also produces Taurus PureGlider (no engine), which made its first flight 25 August 2006.

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