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Read the original first flight press release:
Four-Seater Turboprop Makes Successful First Flight
Grob Aerospace: G 140TP started Flight Test Program14.03.2003 - Following its successful first flight on December 12, 2002 flight tests of the new 4-seater turboprop G 140TP have begun at Grob Aerospace. The first flights displayed even better performance potential than original calculations had indicated: As well as higher airspeed - more than 220 knots have already been achieved - the aircraft also attained an impressive rate of climb of 2,700 feet per minute. The excellent aerodynamic characteristics exhibited by the Grob-developed carbon-fiber composite construction have thus been confirmed. With the G 140TP, Grob-Werke, Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, has developed a new class of aircraft and extended their family of proven, fully aerobatic training aircraft G 115 and G 120.
The 4-seater turboprop aircraft will be a cost-effective alternative to other single-engine turboprop models. Thanks to its excellent aerodynamic characteristics, the aircraft is ideally placed to become a high-performance trainer and, with the spacious cabin and range of up to 2,130 kilometers, is also destined to become a fast, comfortable aircraft for both private and business flights. Flexibility is further enhanced by its ability to utilize short hard and grass runways from 700 meters in length. EFIS-avionics and air-conditioning are standard equipment. In addition, the aircraft´s high load capability lends itself to other tasks such as surveillance utilizing, for example, infra-red imaging technology. With the G 140TP, equipped with the proven Rolls-Royce Allison 250-B17F turboprop power-plant, Grob continues the trend to increased utilization of turbines. With cheaper jet fuel, easily obtainable worldwide, the operating costs are comparable with those of piston-engine power-plants of similar power.
Grob has already exhibited a first prototype at the Paris Air Show in June 2001. The original development schedule was adjusted due to capacity being taken up by two fleet orders for the G 120 aircraft. Type certification is now planned for the fall of this year. Since 1987 Grob Aerospace has produced various models of training aircraft, with over 390 models of the G 115 family and the G 120 having been sold to date.
See also the full technical data in our Gallery!
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Last updated 15 April 2003
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