Grob 120TP trainer aircraft (photo : Mepo's World Aircraft)
Grob Aircraft's 'Fab 4' to Climb Charts with G120TP
Grob Aircraft (H4/D5) co-chief executive and chief sales
officer André Hiebeler evoked the spirit of The Beatles while launching a new
marketing drive for the company's G120TP trainer at the Farnborough air show.
Describing his company and programme partners Esterline CMC
Electronics, Martin-Baker and Rolls-Royce as "the fab four", Hiebeler
says the turboprop-powered design is the perfect "ticket to ride" for
the next generation of military pilots.
The G120TP programme is moving fast, with the first production
example for Indonesia having
recently been rolled out at Grob Aircraft's Tussenhausen-Mattsies site near Munich , Germany
"We've done ground vibration testing, and expect first
flight next week," says Hiebeler. "The first six aircraft are to be
delivered in November and December - ahead of schedule." The remainder
will be handed over by the third quarter of 2013, he adds.
Grob Aircraft had intended to announce two new deals for the
G120TP before or during the show, but last-minute issues have delayed both from
being concluded. "It's a learning curve," Hiebeler says of doing
business in one of the expected customer nations, citing unanticipated
"tax and customs issues". However, he believes "we can work it
out", with both deals likely to be concluded within the next one or two
months.
In all, the German manufacturer has commenced promotional
campaigns with the two-seat G120TP in 23 countries, with Hiebeler anticipating
further contracts to be signed within the next year to 15 months. Potential
customers are being offered a standard aircraft design with a range of equipment
options, including Martin-Baker's new lightweight Mk17 ejection seat - unveiled
at the show - and the Esterline CMC Electronics Cockpit 4000 suite of avionics.
Noting that the G120TP's versatility will enable air forces
to cover a broad range of training requirements with the type, Hiebeler
concludes: "Wherever you're going, start with us."
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