Pipistrel, globally renowned light aircraft manufacturer with 26 years of aircraft design and production experience, will equip the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy (IN) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) with its modern, carbon-fibre microlight aircraft Virus SW 80 ‘Garud’. Pipistrel was selected as the winning bidder among 11 competitors.

The design chosen by the respective Indian parties is a two-seat trainer, capable of take-off and landing on prepared as well as semi-prepared surfaces. Made from advanced carbon-fibre composite materials it is capable of carrying two crew members and their equipment.

Pipistrel’s CEO Ivo Boscarol says: “With more than a quarter of century experience in the field, Pipistrel makes the ideal partner to IAF, IN and NCC. Our Virus SW 80 ‘Garud’, which was carefully configured to suit and fulfil the requirements of all ordering parties, is a culmination of advanced design, state-ofthe-art composite construction and modern digital avionics, forming a 21st century basic trainer solution any operator would envy.”

The aircraft is powered by an 80 HP aviation certified engine and can reach a maximum speed of more than 220 kmph, fly for minimum of three hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 6,000 metres. The aircraft will be used exclusively for training of Flight Safety and Air Wing Cadets, so Pipistrel equipped it also with a special Ballistic Parachute Rescue System which saves the entire aircraft and both pilots in the case of accident.

Pipistrel’s Virus SW 80 ‘Garud’, named after a bird that appears in Hindu mythology and is the mount of the God Vishnu, was thoroughly tested.

The Indian personnel will be trained by a Pipistrel’s partner company from Slovenia, the Pipistrel Academy which trains pilots and new instructors.