Grob Aerospace’s G140 is on course for its maiden flight in September 2002. The four-seat turboprop,

which is intended as a low-cost alternative to the current single-engine turboprops, was developed from an initial sketch to a prototype in four months.

Grob’s spokeswoman Michaela Kube said: “The aircraft was originally designed because a client of the G120 asked about the possibility of having a third seat. Grob then decided upon a four-seat design, which added more cabin space and increased comfort for the pilot.”

The G140 was unveiled to the public at this year’s Paris Air Show, where Grob was targeting the military and civilian flight schools.

Kube said: “The aircraft’s advantages are its speed and its large cabin space, so it will generally be used for training and as a small business aeroplane.

“Pilots who prefer a fast aircraft for business trips can also experience the thrill of aerobatics.”

Although there are no concrete orders as yet, Grob is in talks with a number of training schools from around Europe and the Middle East and expects to have concluded sales by the end of the year. Private companies are unlikely to show significant interest until after the G140’s maiden flight.

Kube said: “We feel the G140 would be particularly suited to South America, because there are a number of airstrips and with a range of 1,150 nautical miles, it can fly relatively long distances.” Grob doesn’t feel that the aircraft has any direct competition, as it believes the market sector targeted is not presently catered for by a low cost four-seat turboprop.\r

Kube explained that the G140 places itself in a range above the four seaters with normal propellers, but below the very expensive turbo-props.

Grob also hopes that the G140 will appeal to charter companies as well as training schools, offering a fast and comfortable alternative to other four-seaters available. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-B17F turboprop engine, the all-plastic aircraft is also equipped with thermal-image cameras, enabling use for patrolling or surveillance.