The spn becomes the only currently available part 23 commuter class jet equipped with an optional APU.

Grob Aerospace has selected Honeywell to supply its RE100 auxiliary power unit (APU) for the spn, its new versatile business jet, which is Europe’s latest light jet. The spn becomes the only currently available jet of the part 23 commuter class equipped with an optional APU.  This enhances the operational capabilities and provides the spn with the self-sufficiency and flexibility, as well as passenger comfort, of larger business jets.

Grob Aerospace selected Honeywell because of its extensive experience in APUs and because the RE100 offers the best weight to performance package and the best reliability. Further Honeywell is a world leader in the aftermarket services with a best-in-class global support network. Controlled by digital FADEC, the RE100 weighs 115lbs and delivers pneumatic output of 35 lbs/minute at 50 psi and electrical output of 400A @ 30 VDC. It has an operating ceiling of 30,000 ft.

While the aircraft is on the ground the RE100 APU supplies bleed air to the air conditioning system, which provides exceptional cabin pre-cooling or pre-heating in extreme temperatures, allowing passengers to board the spn in comfort. Significantly, it also reduces the burden of using the main engines on ground, which reduces fuel costs as well as the impact on the environment. The APU also allows the spn to offer an even greater level of redundancy by providing an alternative source of power in flight.

“The spn was designed to combine outstanding performance with the passenger comfort of a state-of-the-art business jet, whilst achieving the unique flexibility traditionally reserved for turboprops,” said Grob Aerospace CEO Niall Olver. “Honeywell’s RE100 APU, with its exceptional reliability and efficiency, perfectly complements this concept; and expands the range of possibilities that the spn presents to our customers.”

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 (11.5m³), and a large passenger door.

Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised industry interest with its unique operating characteristics.  This includes being able to operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000ft (914m) at maximum take off weight.

The spn will also be certificated 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 2,800lbs (1,270kg) of thrust.

Now well advanced in its flight certification phase, the aircraft, which carries a price tag of €5.8 million, is on target for European EASA certification during the third quarter of 2007 and US FAA certification during the fourth quarter of 2007. Customer deliveries are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2007.

About Grob Aerospace – 35 Years of Aviation History
Grob Aerospace was founded in 1971 and its history spans 35 years. 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 is one of the world’s largest and the most experienced composite aircraft manufacturer. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents.

Editor’s Note:
The spⁿ is named in recognition of its ‘Special Performance; Superior Payload and Single Pilot ability. All are abbreviated to spⁿ – the sp to the “nth” degree.

For further information contact:
Elisabeth Palander              
Marketing Coordinator               
Grob Aerospace AG              
+41 44 876 56 82              
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Celia Turner/ Helen Stevens
Emerald Media
+44 7703 344425 / +44 1962 736600
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Original Release