The Grob Ranger G 160 has successfully completed its first flight. The prototype aircraft, flagship of the Grob Aerospace turboprop series, was piloted by Ulrich Schell and co-pilot Toni Uhl. It took off from the plant’s airport and was praised by the pilots for its rapid acceleration and impressive climb rate, as well as its short take-off and landing runs.

The seven seater aircraft, which has a maximum range of around 2,200 miles (4,000 km) and a maximum cruise speed of 270 knots, made its public debut in May at the ILA 2004 aerospace show in Berlin.