The German aerospace giant Grob made a splash at last year’s Paris Air Show when it announced its new Grob SPn Utility Jet, a light offering that is built with carbon-fiber composites and designed for less-than-perfect runways.
The plane is suited for pilots or passengers who want to step up from a turboprop without sacrificing flexibility. The company reports that the jet can take off from a grass or gravel runway only 3,000 feet long and fly 2,070 miles nonstop.
The cockpit incorporates Honeywell’s APEX integrated avionics suite, while two rear-mounted Williams FJ44-3A engines with 2,800 pounds of thrust deliver the power. The 405 cu ft cabin has an eight-seat, double-club configuration that you can quickly convert to accommodate outsize objects or provide more legroom.
Swiss-based ExecuJet Aviation Group will serve as Grob’s exclusive worldwide sales distributor and maintenance partner for the SPn Utility Jet. Grob anticipates European certification early next year. It expects to receive FAA approval and begin making deliveries near the middle of 2007. Pricing will start at about $7 million.
ExecuJet Aviation Group
+41.44.876.5685
