The Pützer Elster was a German single-engined light aircraft, manufactured by Alfons Pützer KG (later Sportavia) in Bonn. It served with the Luftwaffe and Marineflieger and was used solely for recreational sport flying. Some continue to fly in 2020 in private ownership. 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. Variants 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. Operators Military operators Luftwaffe Marineflieger Specifications (Pützer Elster B) See also References Further reading External links Photo of Elster B in Luftwaffe markings Elster 1950s German civil utility aircraft 1950s German military utility aircraft Single-engined tractor aircraft High-wing aircraft Glider tugs Aircraft first flown in 1959