During works on the IPE KW-2 Biguá, IPE they decided to develop a new two-seater model based on the Biguá.[1] First of all, conventional instead of negatively swept wings were designed, as well as a new nose and other small details.[1] The first flight of the new aircraft as IPE 02a Nhapecan was on May 24, 1979.[1] After extensive testing, the prototype was sold and continued to fly for many years.[2]
The IPE 02 Nhapecan was a two-seat glider with tandem seats and an enclosed cockpit.[2] The fuselage was made of welded steel tubes and was covered with plywood. The wings were of wooden construction and covered with fabric. Under the fuselage was a single wheel. The fuselage was made of welded steel tubes and covered with fiberglass-reinforced plastic. As with the initial model, the wings were a wooden construction covered with fabric. Under the fuselage was a small wheel at the nose and a larger wheel in the center. In addition, there were structural modifications and fixed ballast.[2]
First prototype of the glider family, which flew for the first time on May 24, 1979 with registration PP-ZQL. At least two prototypes produced, did not make it into series production.[1]
Primary instructional model, certified in 1986, with 80 produced by the 1990.
Prototype of an improved version of version II, it did not make it into series production. A built prototype.[3]