Pützer Elster


The Pützer Elster was a German single-engined light aircraft, manufactured by Alfons Pützer KG 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

Elster B

Elster C

Operators

Military operators