Pützer Elster

Development history

The Pützer Elster "Magpie" was developed from the Motorraab motor glider which had itself been developed from the Doppelraab glider. The Elster was the first aircraft produced in Germany after World War II in any significant numbers. The design shared the wing of the Doppelraab, braced by metal struts, but was given a new monocoque fuselage constructed of plywood with seats for two occupants arranged side by side. The tricycle landing gear unusually featured a steerable nosewheel controlled by a hand grip. Production ceased in 1967, by which time 45 examples had been built.

Elster

Prototype aircraft fitted with a 52 hp Porsche 678/3 engine, first flight 10 January 1959.

Elster B

Main production version fitted with a 95 hp Continental C-90 engine. 25 aircraft were operated by the Luftwaffe and Marineflieger sport flying groups. These aircraft were initially operated with civilian registrations but were allocated military serials in 1971. In 1978 the maintenance contract with Pützer expired and the aircraft were placed on the civil market.

Elster C

The Elster C was fitted with the more powerful 150 hp Lycoming O-320 engine and other modifications for use as a glider tug.

Military operators

 Germany

Luftwaffe

Marineflieger

Specifications (Pützer Elster B)

Data from Macdonald Aircraft Handbook, 1964.

General characteristics

Crew: One

Capacity: One passenger

Length: 7.1 m (23 ft 3.5 in)

Wingspan: 13.22 m (43 ft 4 in)

Height: 2.5 m (8 ft 2.5 in)

Empty weight: 470 kg (1,014 lb)

Max. takeoff weight: 700 kg (1,543 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-90-12F 4-cylinder piston engine, 70 kw (95 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 185 km/h (104 mph)

Cruise speed: 140 km/h (86 mph)

Range: 450 km (270 nm)

Service ceiling: 4,000 m (16,100 ft)

Rate of climb: 3 m/s (720 ft/min)