FLUG REVUE first flight gallery: Grob SPn

First Flight Gallery: Grob SPn

Read the original first flight press release:

GROB SPn Utility Jet Successfully Completes First Flight

Flight test program underway after roll-out at Paris Air Show in June

25.07.2005 - GROB Aerospace´s new GROB SPn Utility Jet today completed its maiden flight. It departed Allgäu Airport (EDJA) near Memmingen in southern Germany on July 20 at 11:14 am. The aircraft was commanded by Capt. Gerard Guillaumaud and co-test pilot Tore Reimers. It landed 66 minutes later after performing initial handling tests and system checks.

Following today´s first flight of the prototype and its public unveiling at the Paris Air Show in June, the GROB SPn Utility Jet enters into the flight test stage of its development program. Previously, a test airframe successfully passed a program of full strength testing on the fuselage and wing required for certification.

Achievement of this important milestone follows completion of intensive systems and ground tests, and marks a major milestone on the way to scheduled EASA certification for the aircraft in the first quarter of 2007 followed by FAA approval and start of customer deliveries in the second quarter.

The main objective of first flight was to test system functionality and evaluate the aircraft´s handling characteristics. According to chief test pilot Guillaumaud, the aircraft performed satisfactorily and he added, "During the flight, all systems and controls performed as expected. The aircraft was easy to handle and was a pleasure to fly."

Pleased with today´s flight, GROB´s project development team is on schedule to move ahead with the aircraft´s flight test program to reach full expansion of the flight envelope by the fourth quarter of this year.

A new class of private jet

Combining the performance and passenger comfort of a light business jet with the operational versatility of a turboprop, GROB has created a new class of "Utility Jet" aircraft. The GROB SPn Utility Jet offers a superior range payload capability, robust short field performance, and exceptional cabin volume and cargo conversion capability never seen before in an aircraft of this size.

Jet-performance and comfort with the operating flexibility of a Turboprop

With six passengers and one pilot, the GROB SPn Utility Jet will fly an impressive 1,800 nm (3334 km). It holds a maximum payload of 2,491 lbs (1130 kg) which substantially exceeds any business jet below midsize. Beyond impressive range and payload capabilities, the GROB SPn Utility Jet only requires a Balanced Field Length (BFL) of 3,000 feet (914 m). It is specifically designed for hassle free regular operation on "unimproved" runways which are usually the exclusive domain of turboprops and are often comprised of gravel or grass surfaces.

Inside, a total cabin volume of 405 cu. ft (11.5 m3), headroom of 5 ft 5 inches (164 cm) and a standard eight seat double club configuration provides unmatched passenger comfort among light jets. Designed with an exceptionally large passenger door, and modular interior, the aircraft is uniquely suited for quick conversion to dedicated cargo missions, 50-50 passenger cargo splits, or air ambulance service.

Honeywell avionics - Williams engines

As the largest private jet to be certified for single-pilot operation, it is equipped with a Honeywell integrated all glass cockpit which sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Propulsion consists of two rear mounted FADEC controlled Williams J44-3A engines with 2,800 lbs (1270 kg) of thrust, and a proven track record from use in many of today´s leading light jets.

ExecuJet Aviation Group - World wide sales distributor

ExecuJet Aviation Group (www.execujet.aero) is the exclusive world-wide sales distributor and maintenance support partner for the GROB SPn Utility Jet. Swiss based, ExecuJet is a world leading aircraft sales, service and support provider with associated operational and maintenance facilities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Mexico.

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Last updated 29 July 2005

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