This is the first step and one of our favorite phases of the idea-to-certification cycle. What is your mission. We will find a solution. We can start from a blank sheet of paper or from a design provided to us to form the functional configuration, flight performance estimation, aerodynamic and structural preliminary design, weight & balance estimate and ergonomic study. Concurrently we also prepare 3D CAD models, define project phases, work on usability and market estimation reports with a gross budget estimation. Our Ph.Ds and engineers have worked in the field for over twenty years and can support you either from the beginning or simply providing a validation to increase the success of your project when pitching to investors or for a research grant.

Pipistrel je znan po vsem svetu po svojem aerodinamično učinkovitem načrtovanju letal in lahko sodeluje z vami za izboljšanje aerodinamike vašega modela letala. Pipistrelove izvrstne konstrukcije je večkrat nagradila celo NASA. Na tekmovanju PAV Challenge leta 2007 je agencija NASA je razglasila letalo Virus SW za najbolj učinkovito lahko športno letala na svetu in nato ponovno leta 2008 na tekmovanju GAT Challenge. Leta 2011 je Taurus G4 tretjič zmagal na izzivu NASA, tekmovanju Green Flight Challenge, kar dokazuje odličnost Pipistrelovih aerodinamičnih designov po vsem svetu.

Na vašem projektu lahko izvedemo popolno aerodinamično zasnovo in vso analizo CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Analiza CFD zmanjšuje razvojni čas in stroške v primerjavi z vetrovnim tunelom, za zahtevnejše zasnove pa je na voljo visoko zmogljiva računalniška skupina. Pipistrelova orodja omogočajo karakterizacijo zunanjih in notranjih tokov. Namenska programska oprema je bila razvita v našem podjetju za razvoj, prilagajanje in optimizacijo propelerjev in kril.

Pipistrel vam lahko pomaga pri strukturnem načrtovanju in analizi vašega projekta z uporabo programske opreme FEM (Finite Element Modeling - modeliranje končnih elementov) z večdesetletnimi izkušnjami na področju kompozitnih struktur. FEM lahko predvidi vedenje strukturnih materialov v različnih pogojih obremenitve in omogoča preučevanje odziva na pritisk in obremenitve. Za načrtovanje, analizo in optimizacijo zanesljivih struktur uporabljamo interna orodja za prevzem obremenitve in modele končnih elementov (FEM).

We can apply to our models appropriate surface pressure distributions, obtained from our aerodynamics department, to fully cover structure loading. Buckling and structural stability, modal and non-linear analyses are further examples of how FEM is used here. Modal analysis of airframe vibration can point out possible flutter issues in early design phases. It can be used for modeling the whole aircraft or only subparts.

We are experienced in the design and integration of aircraft systems: flight controls, servo drives and actuators, avionics, electrical, propulsion-class batteries, traditional and autonomous fuel management, landing gear, special payloads e.g. radars, IO/ER as well as environmental control systems have been integrated into Pipistrel vehicles. We have also been involved with unique systems such as ballistic parachute rescue systems and eVTOL drives.

The development of powerful and lightweight electric engines is opening the possibility of electric powered flight. Electric engines require almost no maintenance, their power is independent of altitude and allows the use of distributed propulsion. Pipistrel has been the world’s first company to develop and deliver a two seat electric powered glider, the Taurus G2 in 2007. In 2011, the Taurus G4 has been the world’s first electric four seater to fly in the world. Flown in 2014, Wattsup, the two seat electric trainer entered in production under the name Alpha Electro in 2016. Hypstair was the ground-based demonstrator of the most powerful series-hybrid to date.

We have assisted several customers in developing electric projects including NASA, where the advanced know how developed in aviation battery management systems (hardware and software) has been Pipistrel key advantage. In 2016 Pipistrel carried out design, integration, structural and flight testing of the Hy4, a hydrogen powered four-seat airplane by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). We can also assist you in the design and airframe integration of all electric and hybrid powertrains for conventional-takeoff and VTOL class aircraft.

Pipistrel has developed unique skills and capabilities when it comes to aircraft electronics. With in-house design and prototyping of custom electronics boards, developing tailored software, or interfacing off-the-shelf solutions to your systems to achieve special functionality – we have you covered.

Za naše pilotske kabine smo izdelali HMI vmesnike, ročaje, prikazovalnike in interno razvijamo vso elektroniko za električno letenje (krmilniki moči, zasloni, HMI, računalniki za upravljanje plovil, BMS, polnilci itd.)

Pipistrel has a dedicated facility for structural testing of full-scale airframes and aircraft components with temperatures up to 65°C (150°F). Force, deflection, acceleration ,strain measuring sensors synchronized with high speed video footage by state of the art measurement amplifiers are used to verify if the structural behavior is in accordance with planned response. Either for structure verification before the first flight or as a part of an EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification program, Pipistrel, as Design Organization approved by EASA, can assist you in defining and performing the required ground and flight tests demonstrating the compliance to design standards.

For flight testing, we can equip your prototype with multichannel data logging equipment to record flight data, pilot inputs and dedicated sensor inputs as well as assist your test flight by providing test pilots and chase aircraft. We are also able to measure noise by approved methods and measure airport-level aircraft performance, such as take-off and landing distances with the ultra-high precision RTK GPS method.

Testiranje letala je verjetno najbolj poveličevan korak v procesu od ideje do certifikacije. Ne samo zaradi zadovoljstva, ko v zraku vidimo nekaj, kar smo ustvarili, ampak tudi ker se celotna družina Pipistrel združi in praznuje. Da bi prišli do faze testiranja je najprej potrebno pripraviti in izpolniti preudaren načrt preskusov, da se zagotovijo ustrezne postopne potrditve. Podatki se zbirajo in ovrednotijo na vsaki stopnji, da se pridobi informacije o lastnostih vodljivosti in morebitnih spremembah zasnove. Ta postopek se ponavlja, dokler poln spekter zmogljivosti in končni cilji projekta niso doseženi. Razvili smo in upravljamo z edinstveno opremo za beleženje podatkov, ki je prenosna in omogoča sinhronizacijo podatkov o letenju, krmarjenju, pogonskem sistemu, letalski kabini, strukturne podatke in ATC avdio, več video posnetkov in podatke o položaju.

Za naše pilotske kabine smo izdelali HMI vmesnike, ročaje, prikazovalnike in interno razvijamo vso elektroniko za električno letenje (krmilniki moči, zasloni, HMI, računalniki za upravljanje plovil, BMS, polnilci itd.)

Po zaključku načrtovanja izgradnja prototipa oživi vaš koncept. Z dolgoletno tradicijo izdelave kompozitnih letal lahko pospešimo izdelavo vaše konstrukcije in na stroškovno učinkovit način izdelamo vaš prototip. V primerjavi s kovinskimi konstrukcijami so kompoziti boljši pri oblikovanju površin, ne trpijo zaradi korozije in so odporni na utrujenost materiala.

Ko se vaša finančna naložba osredotoča na izdelavo dizajna in ne na nakup strojev za prototipiranje, lahko mi ponudimo naše orodne storitve. V 30 letih delovanja je Pipistrel pridobil bogate izkušnje pri delu s kovinami in kompozitnimi materiali. Naš oddelek za izdelavo prototipov ponuja enega največjih 8-osnih robotov za rezkanje v Sloveniji, 5-osni vodni rezalnik, 3D tiskalnike in bralnike s široko izbiro CNC strojev na našem območju. Izhajajoč iz vaše CAD zasnove lahko programiramo vzorce za naša orodja za izdelavo ne samo letal, temveč tudi delov jaht, avtomobilskih komponent ali dirkalnih školjk. dizajna in ne na nakup strojev za izdelavo prototipov, lahko ponudimo naše orodne storitve. V 30 letih delovanja je Pipistrel razvil bogate izkušnje pri delu s kovinami in kompozitnimi materiali. Interni obrat za izdelavo prototipov ponuja enega največjih 8-osnih robotov v Sloveniji za rezkanje, 5-osni rezalnik na vodni curek, 3D tiskalnike in skenerje ter široko izbiro CNC strojev v našem območju. Z vašo CAD zasnove kot podlago lahko programiramo informacije za orodja za izdelavo ne le letal, temveč tudi delov jaht, avtomobilskih komponent ali ogrodij za dirkalna kolesa.