B-4

About the B-4

The Pilatus B-4 is a Swiss single-seat, mid-wing intermediate glider built to Standard Class specifications. Designed for recreational and competitive soaring, it features an all-metal aluminum structure with foam ribs and lacks wing flaps, relying instead on upper-surface air brakes for glidepath control. The layout accommodates a single pilot.

The design originated from German engineers who produced the initial prototypes before manufacturing rights were acquired by Pilatus Aircraft. Following its commercial introduction, hundreds of units were constructed over several decades before production rights were transferred to overseas and subsequent European entities specializing in the renovation and upgrading of these gliders, including the creation of motorized variants.

This page covers the Pilatus Pilatus B-4: the same aircraft under other designations.