Pipistrel Sinus "Flex"

[fatmanmedia]

hi,

I have been browsing the Pipistrel site came across this:-

Pipistrel introduces SINUS FLEX!


We are proud to introduce to you the Sinus "Flex" model.

The Sinus aircraft has been known for its versatility, offering the customer 3 aircraft in one (a fast and economic cross-country cruiser, ideal training aircraft and an efficient glider).
With a very small addition – the Flex wingtips – you will be able to get another one!

Pipistrel introduces new model - Sinus Flex! (http://www.pipistrel.si/news/pipistrel-introduces-new-model--sinus-flex)

Correct me if I'm wrong but i don't think that this idea has been tried before, replacing wingtips to create a different flight profile, it's a new one on me.

This company just keeps coming out with great ideas. With the sexy Panthera and the world record beating Virus SW, this company in my mind is the leading company in GA and is helping GA move in to the 21st century.

I know I'm sounding a like a fan boy, but I genuinely believe that we are seeing a new era in GA.

Fats

[AberdeenAngus]

I've been drooling over the Pipistrel site too.
They are producing some cracking aircraft.

Fancy a syndicate ?? :)

[500 above]

The Europa also can do this.

Europa Aircraft | Europa XS Overview (http://www.europa-aircraft.com/models.php)

[chrisN]

“Correct me if I'm wrong but i don't think that this idea has been tried before, replacing wingtips to create a different flight profile, . . .”

Alternative wing tips have been available for some gliders for years. My Lak 17A can be flown as 15m wingspan without winglets, 15m with winglets, or 18m with winglets. I just decide how much span I want and how much time and effort rigging it, before each flight. Competition pilots choose according to the class of competition they are entering. Each increment gives improved L/D. The 15m winglets also improve low speed handling compared with plain wing tips.

The manufacturer has just announced further alternatives on its latest model, the 17B, so 13.5m/15m/18m/21m are choices for wingspan.

(So as not to advertise directly here, I suggest you search for Lak.lt if you want to see details.)

There are other manufacturers with such choices, of at least two configuatations.

Chris N

PS – correction – I think I had misread the details about the 13.5m version – it can be changed to one of the longer wingspan versions, but not to all.

[Lightning Mate]

Nothing new here then - move along.

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/Lightning_29/spit6_zps93d078e6.jpg