GROB Aerospace launches a new category of private jet ExecuJet Aviation Group appointed sales and service partner

Paris: June 13, 2005.GROB Aerospace today announced the launch of the GROB SPn Utility Jet at the Paris Air Show. Combining the performance and passenger comfort of a light business jet with the operational versatility of a turboprop, GROB has created a new class of "Utility Jet" aircraft. The GROB SPn Utility Jet offers a superior range payload capability, robust short field performance, exceptional cabin volume and cargo conversion capability never seen before in an aircraft of this size. The first prototype is on static display in front of the GROB Aerospace chalet (A-354) throughout the show. Its first flight will take place in July.

GROB also announced today that, effective immediately, ExecuJet Aviation Group is appointed the exclusive world-wide sales distributor and maintenance support partner for the GROB SPn Utility Jet. Swiss based, ExecuJet, is a world leading aircraft sales, service and support provider with operational and maintenance facilities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Mexico.

EASA certification for GROB SPn Utility Jet is slated for Q1 2007 with FAA certification and first customer deliveries planned for Q2 2007.  The aircraft will be sold equipped for operation at a standard list price of 5.8 million in 2005 economic conditions.

GROB Group Chairman of the Board Dr. Andreas Plesske says,"Leveraging our experience as the world's most accomplished manufacturer of composite aircraft, we take special pride in creating a new category of jet which offers so much capability". For his part, ExecuJet CEO Niall Oliver is honored that GROB recognizes his company's vast business aviation experience and expertise, and adds, "As an exciting new offering with strong potential to tap previously undeveloped markets, we look forward to adding the GROB SPn Utility Jet to our existing portfolio of leading-edge business aircraft we offer to customers throughout the world." 

Jet-performance and comfort with the operating flexibility of a Turboprop

With six passengers, the aircraft will fly an unbeatable 1,800 nm (3334 km).  Seats full in its standard eight seat double club configuration, it will still fly 1,670 nm (3093 km). It holds a maximum payload of 2,491 lbs (1130 kg) which substantially exceeds any business jet below midsize. Beyond impressive range and payload capabilities, the GROB SPn Utility Jet only requires a Balanced Field Length (BFL) of 3,000 feet (914 m). Its carbon fibre fuselage and wing combined with large wheels and reinforced landing gear permit hassle free regular operation on "unimproved" runways which are usually the exclusive domain of turboprops and are often comprised of gravel or grass surfaces.

Inside, a total cabin volume of 405 cu. ft (11.5 m3), headroom of 5 ft 5 inches (164 cm) and a standard eight seat double club configuration provides unmatched passenger comfort among light jets. Designed with an exceptionally large passenger door, and modular interior, the aircraft is uniquely suited for quick conversion to dedicated cargo missions, 50-50 passenger cargo splits, or air ambulance service. 

Honeywell avionics - Williams engines

The design of the aircraft's all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Incorporating airliner technology in its design, Honeywell's APEX integrated cockpit is the most advanced system of its kind, offering the most user-friendly intuitive displays available in business aviation. High-resolution LCD monitors - each with two 15 inch PFD screens, one for each pilot, plus two shared 10 inch MFD monitors - display all relevant flight data and management information. Equipped with up-to-date warning and radar systems such as TCAS and EGPWS, the GROB SPn Utility Jet is the largest private jet to be certified for single-pilot operation. Propulsion consists of two rear mounted FADEC controlled Williams J44-3A engines with 2,800 lbs (1270 kg) of thrust, and a proven track record from use in many of today's leading light jets.

Opening mission possibilities by reducing the tradeoffs usually associated with jet or turboprop operation has been inspiration for both the aircraft design and the selection of its name. Superior Performance, Superb Payload, Single Pilot capability, among others, are all attributes of the aircraft and can be abbreviated to the letters SP.  Symbolizing "exponential possibilities", the concept of SP to the nth degree yields the name: "The GROB SPn Utility Jet".

More information about the GROB SPn Utility Jet is available at the new website: www.grobspn.com.

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© Press Release 2005