combined. It is followed by Mahepa project from 2017, EU-funded over four years. The Panthera drivetrain will be divided in modules: electric motor thrust generator and internal combustion power generator in the nose, human-machine interface and computing, fuel and batteries in the wing. Ground testing is planned for 2019 before flight tests in 2020. In October 2021, Pipistrel and the Mahepa consortium announced the hybrid-electric version of the Panthera has completed the first phase of its flight test program. Design Features of the aircraft will include an airframe ballistic parachute designed for use at high speeds and low altitudes and a glass cockpit. The Pipistrel Panthera has an all-composite airframe, made from carbon fiber, glass fiber, and kevlar, and it sports trailing-link electrically retractible landing gear made of titanium and aluminum alloys, which will be of benefit for operations from grass runways. The composite materials used for the exterior of the aircraft were selected in part based on their ability to withstand lightning strikes, which merit increased consideration when employing composite materials instead of a traditional aluminum airframe. Variants Panthera (IO-390) Initial experimental variant powered by a Lycoming IO-390, engine. 3 units built. Panthera (IO-540) Experimental variant powered by a Lycoming IO-540, engine. Panthera Individual Experimental homebuilt kit variant powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine. Panthera EASA TC EASA CS-23 type-certified variant, powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine. Launch expected in 2022. Panthera Hybrid Variant equipped with a hybrid-electric powertrain. In development. Panthera Electro Battery-powered fully electric variant. In development. Specifications See also References External links Manufacturer Website Panthera Website AVweb podcast interview with Pipistrel's Tine Tomazic about the Panthera, 31 July 2011 AVweb video about the Pathera development process Video interview published by US distributor Video of Maiden flight Review of the aircraft on AVweb AVweb video review Homebuilt aircraft Single-engined tractor aircraft Slovenian sport aircraft Low-wing aircraft Aircraft first flown in 2013 Hybrid electric aircraft