News
05/21/07 - Porsche Design Studio gives spn cockpit a luxury interior
World class design combines with state of the art technology
The Porsche Design Studio has designed a luxurious, high quality interior for the spn cockpit, which will offer owners and pilots the experience of world class elegance and comfort combined with state of the art technology provided by the enhanced Honeywell Primus Apex avionics suite. The new cockpit design is being showcased in hall 6 on stand No 1277 at EBACE 2007 in Geneva.
A modern look and feel has been created in the spn cockpit by utilizing the finest high-quality materials, such as alcantara, soft leather and metal finishing. Last autumn at NBAA Grob Aerospace announced a long term partnership with Porsche Design Studio to design interiors for the spn light business jet, inspired by the clean lines of high-end automotive interiors. This unique cabin concept has now been brought to the spn cockpit.
The spn was the first business jet to fly with the enhanced Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics system, which offers the latest technology from large jets, now available for light jets as well. Capable of single pilot operation the spn cockpit has been ergonomically designed to maximize productivity and reduce workload. Features include a high degree of integration, full system synopsis and many standard features that are normally optional on other aircraft. The Honeywell Primus Apex system is equipped with two 15” PFDs and two 10” MFDs, dual FMS/GPS and EGPWS Class A and TCAS II with Change 7. “The design language of Porsche Design Studio combined with the technological leadership of Honeywell delivers the ultimate cockpit experience and confirms the spn’s position as a superior light jet, which is attracting customers for its high quality cockpit and cabin,” said Niall Olver, Chief Executive Officer of Grob Aerospace.
About the spn
The spn, boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3334 km). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – the largest in the light business jet class by a fair margin, and 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, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight.
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft close to its class. Honeywell’s 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. The aircraft carries a price tag of €5.8 million.
Grob Aerospace – 35 Years of Aviation History
Since 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. In 2007 Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned US subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North-American customers. Grob Aerospace‘s central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with several regional sales offices throughout the USA. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents.
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.
For further information contact:
Elisabeth Palander
Grob Aerospace AG
+41 44 876 56 82
elisabeth.palander@grob-aerospace.ch
Alison Chambers / Celia Turner
Emerald Media
+44 1962 736600
alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk