Pipistrel Virus in Photos

At 55 mpg, the Pipistrel Virus is changing the efficiency equation.

Medial air intake feeds the radiator for the Rotax engine’s liquid-cooled cylinder heads. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."

Optional upper-surface airbrakes add direct lift control to a wing reluctant to come down. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."

They are controlled by an overhead handle located between the seats. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."

Many levels of instrumentation are available, including several types of EFIS and a StormScope. Throttle (black) and pitch trim (green) are between the seats. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."

Good airplane design is part instinct, part luck and part fanatical weight control. Pipistrel has all three. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."

Proud boasts on one side of the nose continue on the other with top honors in two NASA/CAFE efficiency contests. For more, check out Peter Garrison's feature, "Pipistrel Virus."