[2] The Apis-Bee is a second generation derivation of the original Pipistrel Apis design.
"[1][3] The aircraft is made from composites, predominately carbon fibre and fibreglass with some portions in sandwich configuration and some as shells.
The powered version has a pylon-mounted, retractable Hirth F33 BS two-stroke single cylinder engine.
[1][4] The Apis-Bee differs from the early Apis by the incorporation of 133 improvements, including: retractable landing gear, steerable tailwheel, ballistic parachute, enlarged cockpit, new lighter Hirth F33BS engine that can be removed quickly and has faster engine extension and retraction, a redesigned propeller, lower vibration levels and better cooling, standard wing-mounted 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) fuel tank replacing the former 8 litres (1.8 imp gal; 2.1 US gal) tank, new instrument panel, cockpit control ergonomics, the engine management system from the Taurus, re-balanced and lighter flight control feel, optional 5.00 × 5 main wheel, leather interior, solar panels to run the on-board electrical system, improved cockpit ventilation and canopy defog and a new firewall between the cockpit and the engine compartment.
[3] The Apis-Bee holds many Fédération Aéronautique Internationale world records in the under 300 kg (661 lb) class:[1][3] Data from World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12 and manufacturer[1][4]General characteristics Performance