Sperwill 2+

The Sperwill 2+ is a high‑performance ultralight motor‑glider produced by the British firm Sperwill Ltd. Development began in 2012 as an evolution of the original Sperwill 2, aiming to combine longer endurance with improved handling for sport and cross‑country pilots. First flight took place in June 2014 and the type entered limited production in early 2015 after successful certification under the UK’s SSDR (Single‑Seat De‑Regulated) category.

Key features include a carbon‑fiber composite airframe, a retractable 27‑kilowatt electric motor, and a 12‑meter wingspan with a laminar flow airfoil that delivers a glide ratio of 30:1. The aircraft’s battery pack is integrated into the fuselage, granting a 2‑hour powered cruise and up to 400 km of glide‑only range. Digital flight‑control avionics provide autopilot, terrain avoidance and real‑time energy‑management displays. The cockpit is ergonomically designed for solo operation, with a single‑piece acrylic canopy for excellent visibility.

The Sperwill 2+ has become a benchmark in environmentally conscious aviation, demonstrating that electric propulsion can match traditional piston‑engine performance in the ultralight segment. Its success has spurred further research into hybrid power systems and reinforced the viability of low‑noise, zero‑emission sport aircraft worldwide.