25 January 2022
Pipistrel has announced a new aircraft, the Explorer. It’s based on the existing SW 121 and inherits that aircraft’s EASA type certificate.
The main differences are the avionics with the Explorer having dual Garmin touchscreen displays, dual radios and a ‘haptic’ stall warner (ie, it shakes at the stall).
The extra kit means the Explorer is 22kg heavier than the standard SW 121, reducing payload and raising the stall speed to 53kt. Max weight remains the same at 600kg.
Full panel of the Explorer with dual touchscreen Garmin displays and dual radios
Pipistrel says, “The Explorer’s airframe offers unbeatable aerodynamics while being robust for landing on unprepared terrains.
“It cruises at 2nm per minute, climbs at 1000fpm, is richly equipped and full of automation.
“It is the ideal personal travel airplane, aeroclub workhorse, and advanced trainer – and one step ahead of its older brother, the Virus SW 121.”
UPDATE 3 Feb 2022: Book price of the Pipistrel Explorer SW121A has been announced: €198,000.
