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.

Original Release