Grob Aerospace took its new-launch Grob Ranger G160 to the Paris Air Show recently and, said vp of marketing and sales Hans Doll, it proved to be the perfect testing ground for the seven-seater turboprop.

During an interview with EBAN on the third day of the show, he said: “The feedback so far, after two days at Paris, has been very good. We have received interest from private owners, fractional people and also dealers who want us to keep them in mind when we come to make our selections.

“The dealer interest is definitely a good sign for the aircraft as it shows they have faith in it to sell.”

Grob’s G160 is the latest in a line of aircraft which have included the G115, G120A and four-seater G140TP. First flight of the G140TP took place in 2002 and first deliveries are slated for the beginning of 2004.

As for the G160, Europe’s JAA is expected to certify it at the end of 2004, after which Grob has plans to produce between 10 and 20 aircraft per year.

Said Doll: “We believe 10 of those aircraft will be sold in Europe, with the rest finding customers in the US.

“We’ve looked at the sales figures in this market and they’re quite stable. We think we can offer more comfort than our competitors and also a more economical aircraft to operate.”

Talking of the competition, EBAN asked Doll why prospective customers would choose the G160 over its

natural opposition – the TBM 700 and the Meridian.

He said: “At 1.56 metres wide, we offer the widebody alternative to these aircraft – the cabin size is comparable to a small business jet. In addition the cost will be similar, if not cheaper than those aircraft.”

The price is likely to be in the region of US$2 million plus. As Doll concluded: “It’s tough to say exactly, with the dollar exchange rate as it is at the moment.”

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine, the Grob Ranger G160 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 load will be 720kg.