The spn test aircraft No. 3 (D-CSPJ) successfully completed its first two flights today, 29 October 2007. The aircraft took off at 9:28 am local time from the company’s airfield at Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, where it is being developed and built.

The flight testing included basic systems checkouts, stability and control evaluation and a first landing at the Allgäu Airport in Memmingen as planned. The aircraft returned to the company’s airfield after the second flight. Total flying time was 1 hour and 26 minutes. At the controls were Chief Test Pilot Tore Reimers and Test Pilot Peter Weger.

Test aircraft No. 3 is flying most of the systems that will be installed in the fully conforming series production aircraft. First flight of test aircraft No. 3 was accomplished following an intensive period of comprehensive ground testing of systems such as fuel, engines, hydraulics, landing gear and avionics a well as taxiing tests. First taxiing trials were carried out in late September, just prior to the NBAA Show.

Aircraft No. 3 enters the flight test program alongside the first test aircraft D-CSPN. Niall Olver, Chief Executive of Grob Aerospace has confirmed the company’s commitment to add a further three aircraft to support the flight test program. Production of the fourth test aircraft is already well under way, scheduled to join the program in Q4 2007.

About the spn

The spn, boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3334 km). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – the largest in the light business jet class by a fair margin, and a large passenger door. Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight. The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft close to its class. Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust. The aircraft carries a price tag of ? 5.8 million.

About Grob Aerospace

Grob Aerospace was founded in 1971 and its history spans over 36 years. The company is headquartered in Switzerland, but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and the most experienced composite aircraft manufacturer. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents. www.grob-aerospace.com

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