Grob G180 SPn

Grob launched its first business jet project in complete secrecy in January 2004. Prototype assembly took place between October 2004 and January 2005.
Rumors that Grob was working on a business jet began to circulate in the spring of 2005, pointing to a very light jet. Surprise was therefore great when Grob presented its SPⁿ Utility Jet at the Paris Air Show on 13 June 2005, not only showing a cabin mock up but the real prototype.
Grob Aerospace’s new SPⁿ Utility Jet completed its maiden flight on July 20, 2005. It departed Allgu Airport (EDJA) near Memmingen in southern Germany at 11:14 am. The aircraft was commanded by Capt. Gerard Guillaumaud and co-test pilot Tore Reimers. It landed 66 minutes later after performing initial handling tests and system checks. Previously, a test airframe had successfully passed a program of full strength testing on the fuselage and wing required for certification.
As the largest private jet to be certified for single-pilot operations, the Grob SPⁿ is equipped with the state of the art and newly improved Honeywell APEX integrated all glass cockpit which sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Propulsion consists of two rear mounted FADEC controlled Williams J44-3A engines with 1.270 kg of thrust, and a proven track record from use in many of today’s leading light jets.
A fully-equipped pre-production aircraft will enter service at the beginning of 2007 and will be used to complete final certification and reliability testing. It will be fitted with a full interior and major avionics options.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Capacity: 9 passengers
• Length: 14.81 m (48 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 14.86 m (48 ft 9 in)
• Height: 5.12 m (16 ft 10 in)
• Gross weight: 6,300 kg (13,889 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Williams FJ44-3A turbofans, 12.44 kN (2,800 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 753 km/h (468 mph)
• Maximum speed: Mach 0.7
• Stall speed: 143 km/h (89 mph)
• Range: 3,425 km (2,128 miles)
• Service ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft