Pipistrel Panthera

 Panthera: A unique 4-seater with an attractive design and efficient performance!

The Panthera is for you if you are looking for...

"The Panthera has the surfaces of a glider, the design of a modern and upmarket car, the fun at the controls of a LSA and the cockpit atmosphere of a Very Light Jet."

The sky has opened-up like never before and borders are falling every day. The need of traveling long distance, quickly and efficiently has never been greater. Yet, who likes to be stuck at a big airport, going through long lines of security checks to board the aeroplane to the point of call? Imagine a fast yet extremely economic aeroplane, which can take you and your friends, colleagues or business partners anywhere you want, whenever you want. Imagine an aeroplane, that can fully take advantage of small, short-runway airfields that bring you closer than ever to your destination and open a whole new world of opportunities. An aeroplane, designed meticulously to keep you safe, comfortable, is quiet and friendly to the environment. An innovative aeroplane, which instantly catches attention. Your quiet, high performance bubble of safety, your personal time machine.

Panthera.

Project story:

Years ago, people said it is impossible to produce an aircraft light and streamlined enough to be safe and efficient. We did it. People said it is impossible to fly around the World in a small aeroplane without assistance. We did it. People also said it is impossible to produce an aircraft fast enough and efficient enough to be successful at the NASA Centennial Challenges. We went ahead and did what nobody did before – we won the NASA Challenges twice. Now they say it is impossible to make a practical electric-powered aircraft presently. We did it already back in 2007 with the first electric two-seater in the World. Clearly we see and do things differently and have a pioneering vision.

It is important to highlight Panthera’s key outstanding characteristics:

Innovation:

Panthera is designed by applying the most modern design and construction techniques, on top of 30 years of knowledge, experience and excellence in building aircraft. Panthera’s organic curves are a product of optimization through advanced, in-house developed computer tools, where each detail is designed to ensure minimum drag and maximum efficiency.

It is specially optimized to ensure minimum noise and maximum performance, reducing the aircraft’s environmental footprint and increasing cabin comfort. Panthera also features all-electric systems for component actuation. Its titanium trailing-link undercarriage, flaps and trim are all electrically operated, resulting in low weight and maximum reliability by removing the need for complex and heavy hydraulic systems. All internal and external lighting is realized using state-of-the-art LED technology, providing for better clarity, recognition and feel.

Performance:

Panthera achieves unprecedented efficiency through careful aerodynamic shaping, retractable titanium undercarriage, lightweight advanced composite structure, a tailor-made propeller and a dedicated performance exhaust system. Efficiency is translated directly into more speed for the same power. No other four-seat aircraft exists that flies this fast on the same engine! For the owner/operator this represents significantly lower operating costs and simplified maintenance.

The maximal range is available with any payload, something which pilots of four-seat airplanes have been wishing for. The robust design of the undercarriage and low overall weight allows for operations from short grass strips, taking you as close as possible to your desired destination. The engine is ready for the future, able to accept unleaded fuels and meeting the future environmental requirements. Hybrid and electric models further reduce the take-off noise footprint by taking advantage of the pure-electric take-off.

Configurations:

Panthera

The first choice of engine was the Lycoming IO-390, but we received the news that it will never be certified for Mogas. Due to this and the fact that Pipistrel had made the decision to use Mogas (automotive gasoline) as it is lower prices and pollutes less (no lead), we were forced to switch to IO-540-V, which is already certified also for the Mogas, even though the Panthera does not need a stronger engine. Since it doesn't need this additional power, it will fly at very low power settings and consumption will consequentially stay more or less the same as with the IO-390 model, but the IO-540 260 hp option will provide a significant performance improvement. See all the data below.

Panthera Hybrid

The 145 kW hybrid-electric powertrain, supported by the state-of-the-art battery system and range-extender generator unit, which is a special in-house development for the Panthera is a true revolution in aviation! The ability of noiseless, pure-electric take-offs and landings is coupled with uncompromised range characteristics. Short-field, powerful climb, extreme aeroefficiency and long-range, which are signature to Panthera are further enhanced with the revolutionary hybrid powertrain. Panthera Hybrid represents a quantum leap forward in thinking and will pave the way for the future of aviation!

Panthera Electro

This version of Panthera with its pure-electric 145 kW powertrain is a treat for the high-tech enthusiasts and those to whom the environment matters. The goal is to demonstrate the ability of covering 400 km (215 NM), quietly, efficiently, with absolutely zero emissions and for a fraction of cost. The platform is open and ready to accept future generations of battery technologies, which will increase the operating range. Electric flight is ready and Panthera Electro will hopefully shift the authorities to rightfully accept electric flight and enable clean, quiet and cheap flight.

Cabin Comfort:

One of the major design points of Panthera is the state-of-the-art ergonomic cabin. All features provide superior comfort and usability for people of all sizes. Access is easy via three large gull-wing style doors, two in the front for pilot and co-pilot and one for the back row of seats. Pilot and co-pilot seats are adjustable. The central stick is ergonomic and provides the sporty feel signature to Panthera. The two back seats are very wide and convenient. There is a supersized – standard cabin luggage sized – cargo door, but the cargo can also be accessed from the cockpit during the flight! The interior is furnished with the highest quality leather and LED lighting for exclusive feel and functionality. Climate is controlled thanks to the on-board air-condition with automatic ventilation (optional). It will keep you cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Also special is the solar-powered ventilation which keeps the cabin cool when Panthera is parked outside in the sun.

Materials and technology:

Each detail of Panthera’s graceful lines has been thoroughly aerodynamically optimized using customized, state of the art computational fluid dynamics software, resulting in a smooth and clean shape. The specially designed wing airfoils are optimized for cruise efficiency and therefore speed, while at the same time ensuring high maximum lift and docile stall characteristics. Its instantly recognizable T-tail ensures low interference drag and helps improve spin characteristics by preventing the horizontal stabilizer from shadowing the rudder at high angles of attack.

Realizing Panthera’s aerodynamic shape while still ensuring maximum safety and keeping the weight low would be impossible without the use of advanced next-gen materials. The majority of the structure of the aircraft is made from carbon-fibre composites, with antistatic materials and Kevlar used in areas where it matters. The retractable trailing-link undercarriage is built from titanium, giving it superior strength and energy absorption properties at minimum system weight. All actuation systems on the aircraft are fully electric, avoiding the need for complex and heavy hydraulics.

Safety:

Panthera is your personal high performance bubble of safety! As part of the rich serial equipment, Panthera features a full-airframe parachute rescue system, which was specially developed, so it can be deployed at both low- and high speeds as well as low altitudes.

The cabin has been engineered as a safety cell/roll bar with built-in energy absorption zones, providing superior safety to the occupants in the event of an accident. The seats and safety belts are engineered to the latest +26G CS/FAR-23 certification standards. Immediately noticeable is the incredible view from the cockpit. By having just one central pillar, the pilot’s view forward and sideward is virtually unobstructed, thus greatly improving the safety of flight. The ergonomic cockpit comes with special annunciation panels, improving situational awareness when it comes to different audio and visual alarms (terrain, stall, overspeed, engine issues, etc.).

Panthera’s performance also contributes to safety – the lightweight structure, powered by powerful engines means that you will reach safe speeds and altitudes much quicker than usual, reducing time spent in the »critical zones«. Special attention has been paid to realize the aerodynamic shape, which gives Panthera excellent handling at low speeds and superior stall/post-stall characteristics. Also important are tailored solutions to simplify maintenance, thus reducing the probability of mistakes occurring during the check-ups.

Pricing and availability (Updated 19/09/2023)

The Panthera can be ordered now for delivery in a few months (for more information please contact us), It is available in experimental class and later in a fully certified version.

Pricing for the IO-540 exp version is Euro 675.000€ - (all prices are excl. VAT/IGI and ex. delivery etc.). This is just to give you an idea where we are at for this fantastic aircraft. Please contact us for more information.

The fully certified version is expected to be available in 2024, price for pre-order is 725.000€

Panthera technical data

Panthera	Panthera exp & cert	Panthera Hybrid exp	Panthera Electro exp
Category	Utility (+4.4 g, -1.76 g)	Utility (+4.4 g, -1.76 g)	Utility (+4.4 g, -1.76 g)
Powerplant	Lycoming IO-540V	Hybrid 200 kW take-off power	Electric 200 kW take-off power
Rated power	260 HP	200 kW (150 kW continuous) Maximum cruise power 100 kW	200 kW (150 kW continuous)

Weight and Dimensions

MTOM	1315 kg / 2900 lbs	1315 kg / 2900 lbs	1315 kg / 2900 lbs
Useful payload	500 kg / 1100 lbs	415 kg / 915 lbs	TBD
Total useable fuel	2x 105 l / 2x 27.7 gal	2x 105 l / 2x 27.7 gal	n/a
Full fuel payload	350 kg / 770 lbs	265 kg / 585 lbs	n/a
Wing span	10.86 m / 35 ft 8 in	10.86 m / 35 ft 8 in	10.86 m / 35 ft 8 in
Length	8.07 m / 26 ft 6 in	8.07 m / 26 ft 6 in	8.07 m / 26 ft 6 in
Height	2.19 m / 7 ft 2 in	2.19 m / 7 ft 2 in	2.19 m / 7 ft 2 in
Wing area	11.2 m2/ 121 sqft	11.2 m2/ 121 sqft	11.2 m2/ 121 sqft

Performance (MTOM)

Stall speed (flaps extended)	60 KIAS	60 KIAS	60 KIAS
Stall speed (flaps retracted)	65 KIAS	65 KIAS	65 KIAS
Rotation speed at MTOM	60 KIAS	60 KIAS	60 KIAS
Maneuvering speed Va	143 KIAS	143 KIAS	143 KIAS
Maximum structural cruise speed Vc	175 KIAS	175 KIAS	175 KIAS
Never exceed speed Vne	220 KIAS	220 KIAS	220 KIAS
Maximum horizontal speed	203 KTAS	212 KTAS, FL 150	212 KTAS, FL 150
Performance cruise speed at 75% power	198 KTAS, FL 80	177 KTAS, FL 150 (full generator power)	TBD
Economy cruise speed at 65% power	193 KTAS, FL 120	n/a	TBD
Climb rate at MTOM and 105 KIAS	7.9 m/s / 1550 fpm	5.8 m/s / 1150 fpm	5.8 m/s / 1150 fpm
Take off run	295 m	290 m	290 m
Take-off distance (50 ft obst.)	540 m	530 m	530 m
Approach speed	80 KTAS	80 KTAS	80 KTAS
Landing distance (50 ft obst.)	570 m	570 m	570 m
Consumption at Performance cruise speed	56 l/hour	TBD	TBD
Consumption at Economy cruise speed	46 l/hour	TBD	TBD
Range with 45 min reserve	> 1000 nm, 155 KTAS, FL 120, 4 people aboard (4x 86 kg)	> 1000 nm, 155 KTAS, FL 120	TBD
Ceiling	7600 m / FL 250	6100 m / FL 200	TBD