News
05/21/07 - Strong demand for the spn reflected in Grob Aerospace order book
Grob Aerospace returns to EBACE, Europe’s premier business aviation show this year, buoyed by a swelling order book for its spn light business jet. For despite the adversity the program suffered at the end of the year 2006, with the loss of the second prototype, enthusiasm for Europe’s newest and unique all-composite aircraft continues to grow. Not one customer has reneged on its commitment to Germany’s only business aircraft manufacturer. Grob has now more than two years’ equivalent production in order terms under its belt. This represents a total of over 60 orders with significant non refundable deposits.
“Over the past 12 months we have secured a large number of orders from customers in Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Africa,” said Grob Aerospace CEO Niall Olver, speaking as the manufacturer prepares to make a strong showing at EBACE, during 22-24 May in Geneva, Switzerland. “Customers for the spn to date are mainly private individuals, pilot owners and corporates, Olver acknowledged. Furthermore, the spn light jet is gaining a lot of interest from customers who currently fly business turboprops. This is because it combines the best of both worlds - offering the versatility of a turboprop and the ability to perform short take offs and landings on unpaved runways, with the comfort, speed, and range of a business jet.
“Our sales people are increasingly talking with, and attracting interest from brokers and aircraft charter companies who see in this unique aircraft concept a real breakthrough and a chance to move one step ahead of their competition,” said Olver. Just last month Grob Aerospace displayed the spn at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany, marking its first public appearance since last November. The spn was the highlight of the daily flying display and it drew much interest among customers. Several new orders were signed from undisclosed European private buyers, culminating in a very successful show.
spn program update
The spn certification program is now firmly back on track after the resumption of flying by the first spn test aircraft (D-CSPN) on 23 February. The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation (BFU) and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA) have not related the accident to the workmanship of the aircraft, and hence they authorize the test aircraft No 1 to resume the flight test program by end of February 2007.
When the BFU provided its initial feedback to Grob Aerospace from its investigation into the accident involving spn test aircraft No 2 (D-CGSP) in February this year, the exact reason for the crash had not yet been found. However the accident has led to the assumption that the separation of parts prior to the crash of the aircraft was due to elevator flutter at high speed. The investigation to date is currently focusing on the speed of the aircraft prior to the crash versus the allowed speed envelope of test aircraft No 2, which was not fully opened at the time of the accident.
Third spn scheduled to fly in July
Test aircraft No 1 has been modified with both a series-production conforming wing-fuselage fairing and pitot static system, and is used for performance testing and system development. The spn is now close to concluding its defined flight characteristics and stall developments. The current test aircraft will be joined by test aircraft No 3 in July 2007, which will focus on systems testing, Niall Olver confirmed today.
“European EASA certification is on schedule for the April 2008, closely followed by FAA certification and first deliveries. We will then focus on certifying the aircraft for operations to and from airports such as London City, Lugano and St. Tropez during the course of next year,” he stated.
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.
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