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 under an 18-aircraft
deal. Rolls-Royce says it has delivered its first two production
M250-B17F turboprop engines under the programme, with 12 more to follow
by the end of this year.
"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."
Sumber : Flightglobal
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