After launching its turboprop programme with the four-seater G140TP, which is currently being flight-tested, Grob Aerospace is now designing a business aircraft. Development of the new larger

G160 under the product name Grob Ranger has already begun. The price, says Grob, will be well below two million euros.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine, rated at 850 shp, the aircraft will reach a top cruise speed of 270 knots. Its maximum range will be 2,200nm or 1,800nm when carrying a full complement of six passengers. Its maximum useful fuel load will be 720kg.

In developing this aircraft, Grob Werke, based in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, is sending out a signal on behalf of the Bavarian and German aircraft industry: In the words of Hans Doll, the company’s vp of marketing and sales: “We’re convinced that this programme will be a market success and will prove a worthwhile investment in our future.”

Grob attaches special importance to the layout of the cabin, which sports a 2+4+1 seat arrangement. It is about five metres long, 1.42 metres high, 1.56 metres wide and features individual reading lights, folding tables, optional refreshment centre, toilet with washstand plus power connections for laptops.

Grob will be exhibiting the first prototype at this year’s Paris Air Show. The first flight will be in the summer of 2003, with delivery to the first customer in 2004.