News
09/24/07 - Grob Aerospace showcases new look spn jet at NBAA
Grob Aerospace returns to NBAA this year to showcase a new look cabin that will be standard aboard its new all-composite spn light jet. The stylish interior, exclusively designed by Porsche Design Studio, can be seen in the full size cabin mockup on show at Booth No 7365. This modern look has also been extended to the cockpit of the spn, offering owners and pilots alike the experience of world class elegance and comfort, combined with state of the art technology provided by the enhanced Honeywell Primus Apex avionics suite.
It is the first time that Porsche Design Studio has applied its philosophy and design to the interior and cockpit of a business jet, a design inspired by the clean lines of high end automotive interiors, featuring the finest high-quality material including high gloss wood veneer, metal finishing, alcantara and soft leather. (Grob Aerospace has selected fully articulated seats from Geven of Italy for its series production models, a partnership previously announced at EBACE in May this year).
“Our mission was to create an environment that reflected calm, elegance, comfort and functionality” said Roland Helier, Managing Director of Porsche Design Studio. “The feedback Grob Aerospace received on the new look cabin mock-up at EBACE in Geneva as well as in Oshkosh WI, its first showing in the USA<, is very encouraging,” he said. “Grob Aerospace engineers and the Porsche Design Studio team have worked extremely hard to capture just what we wanted to achieve with this interior,” said Niall Olver, CEO of Grob Aerospace, noting that extending the look to the cockpit has proved to be a smart decision. “The design language of Porsche Design Studio combined with the technological leadership of Honeywell delivers the ultimate cockpit experience - a detail owner pilots are very enthusiastic about” he said.
Grob Aerospace is in Atlanta this week for the 60th Annual Business Aviation Meeting and Convention. The company has secured in excess of 70 firm orders with significant non-refundable deposits, representing the equivalent of two years’ production, from customers in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi) with NBAA IFR reserves. The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – by far the largest among light business jet, as well as a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop. At maximum takeoff weight, the spn requires just 3,000 ft (914 m).
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation and is equipped with one of the most advanced avionics suites amongst the aircraft in its class. Honeywell’s Primus Apex integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust.
Grob Aerospace – Over 35 Years of Aviation History
In business for over 35 years, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. The Grob Aerospace Inc. central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the site of the former 4,500-acre Pease Air Force Base, converted to commercial use in the early ‘90s. The company also maintains regional sales offices and factory-authorized service centers throughout the United States.
About Porsche Design Studio
Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, stands for the distinctive, timeless and unmistakable design signature that characterizes all of the Porsche Design Group’s products. The studio also offers its design services to other companies in the areas of industrial and product design. Today, Porsche Design Studio is one of Europe’s most recognized design companies. Their products have been recognized for their outstanding quality at internationally renowned competitions, such as the IF Forum Hanover, the Red Dot Award or the EISA Award.
www.porsche-design.com
For further information contact:
Elisabeth Palander Alison Chambers / Celia Turner
Grob Areospace AG Emerald Media
+41 44 876 56 82 +44 1962 736600
elisabeth.palander@grob-aerospace.ch alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk
Juliane von Heimendahl
Grob Aerospace AG
+41 44 876 56 89
juliane.von.heimendahl@grob-aerospace.ch