Press Release
Issued by Green Charter 2022.
February 27, 2007
Grob Aerospace's first spn test aircraft (D-CSPN) flew again on Friday, 23 February 2007 at 16:15 pm. It departed from the manufacturer's airport facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, marking a return to the flight certification program. The aircraft's crew were acting Chief Test Pilot Tore Reimers and Flight Test Engineer Alan Lawless. Captain Reimers reported: "It is good to be back in the air again, and the aircraft felt like home. The flight test program is back on track, we are looking forward to the coming weeks."
The aviation industry's first all-composite spn light jet ceased flying temporarily after the tragic accident on 29 November 2006 involving the second spn test aircraft (D-CGSP). In agreement with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA) the flight test program has been resumed after completion of the 300-hours-maintenance check which was combined with a thorough inspection of the entire aircraft. Prior to November 29, the aircraft had logged a total of 294 flight hours and 454 cycles. The current aircraft will now be continuing the flight test program with immediate focus on systems and performance.
Test aircraft No 1 will shortly be joined by test aircraft No 3. The fuselage of No 3 is completed; a fuselage for the dynamic fatigue test is in preparation. The aircraft is scheduled to fly for the first time during the second quarter of 2007. Grob Aerospace has previously announced that a further two additional spns will be built at its facilities, to join the flight test program. The fourth aircraft, which will join the flight test program in the early fall 2007, will be a fully conforming test aircraft, together with the first series production aircraft. Grob Aerospace is working towards European EASA certification during the first quarter of 2008 with US FAA certification following in the second quarter of that year.
"This has been a very important step for the spn program. Having the spn flying again reconfirms to the industry that we are still confidently on the road to certification." said Niall Olver," CEO of Grob Aerospace. "I would particularly like to thank all our suppliers and our customers for their unwavering support these difficult last few months."
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 (11.5 m?) – the largest in the light business jet class by a fair margin, and a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry's new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight.
The spn will also be certified 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 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust. The aircraft carries a price tag of € 5.8 million.
