GROB SPn Specs and Description

Background/History

Grob Aerospace headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, with research, development, manufacturing and assembly facilities in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. Grob Aerospace was one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers and delivered more than 3,500 aircraft, including gliders, business and special use aircraft. In 2005 Grob launched the SPn light jet to the jet aircraft market by introducing a new class of uniquely designed business aircraft. The SPn was a clean sheet design that exploited the unique properties of composite materials, the latest in aerospace technology, and thus affording significant advances. The SPn combined the versatility and excellent short field performance of a turboprop with the comfort and performance of a genuine luxury jet, even from unpaved runways. The aircraft is designed to be compliant for single-pilot operation under both VFR day/night, IFR and known icing conditions. The SPn will meet RVSM, MNPS and P-RNAV requirements. EASA Certification and 1st deliveries were originally planned for April 2008. However in August of 2008 Grob filed for bankruptcy and was bought by H3 in February 2009. Niall Olver, Grob Aerospace’s former CEO, was appointed by the creditor to find new investors to buy the SPn assets with the aim of restarting the program by June 2009. Olver indicated in March 2009 that the plan was to complete certification and commence production near the middle of 2012.

Power

The SPn is powered by rear-mounted twin turbofan Williams FJ44-3A engines, rated at 2820lbs of thrust each at ISA+11C. FJ44 engines have been delivered worldwide flying 2 million flight hours with an extremely low in-flight shutdown rate and no history of in-flight engine fire. Required Hot Section Inspection and Cold Section Inspection intervals are 2,000 and 4,000 hours respectively. Engine performance is managed through a Full Authority Digital Engine Control system that provides operational simplicity, precision monitoring, immediate responsiveness and an exceptionally clean fuel burn.

Avionics

The fully integrated all-glass cockpit on the SPn includes the Honeywell Primus Apex system. It comprises a complete and ready-to-fly system, geared to both single and dual pilot operation. It incorporates the technology derived from much larger aircraft. Large LCD screens provide clear visual input. Fully compliant with all regulatory requirements, the Honeywell Primus Apex system is user-friendly and reliable. Primus Apex offers the SPn a high degree of integration, full system synopsis and many standard features that are normally optional on other aircraft such as, for example, two15″ PFDs and two 10″ MFDs, dual FMS/GPS, EGPWS Class A and TCAS II with Change 7.

Design Features

The SPn is a low swept wing, twin engine jet with a conventional tail and tricycle landing gear. It is designed for unpaved and short field operations. The SPn is powered by rear-mounted twin turbofan Williams FJ44-3A engines. The airframe and wing structure are primarily carbon fiber with a cabin volume of 405 cubic feet. Certification for single pilot operation allows for up to 9 passengers.

Accomodations

The SPn features the most spacious interior volume among light jets, with a height of 5 ft 5in. Two different cabin layouts are available. A 6-seat executive layout with a forward galley designed to hold equipment needed for catering with various storage options, glass display and optional capability such as oven, coffee maker and microwave. The aft lavatory is equipped with external servicing, a vanity and washbasin. An 8-seat business cabin layout includes large carbon fiber based seats, mounted on fast-release mechanisms, for a quick-change interior. The forward lavatory is located in the entrance area and is completely hidden when not in use so that it does not prevent easy entrance to the cabin or cockpit. When in use, the forward lavatory, vanity and washbasin are fully enclosed and separated from cabin and cockpit. If needed, the cabin may be quickly converted for cargo capacity, either partially or fully. Four 110 V power outlets for electronic equipment are located in the main cabin. Additional outlets are located in the lavatory and the cockpit. Passenger-activated individual reading lights as well as dimmable indirect wash lights are situated on each side of the cabin, all using LED technology. The cabin door measures of 54 in high and 33 in wide, the widest of any light jet. The cabin volume is 405 cu. ft. The main baggage compartment located on the left of the aircraft below the engine offers 46.5 cu. ft. of storage. It is accessed via an 18.3 in by 28.7 in door. In addition, a 3.9 cu. ft. compartment is located in the nose section accessed from the aircraft’s right side. The wardrobe is located in the entrance for passengers’convenience. Further space for baggage is available in the rear lavatory of the executive layout.