GROB Announces SPn Utility Jet Enhancements

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German airframer GROB is still in the testing and pre-certification phases of developing its planned SPn Utility Jet, but the company recently announced a series of upgrades — to the light jet’s interior, equipment and avionics — designed to increase the type’s flexibility and capability. GROB says its customers can now choose a new six-seat “executive” interior configuration including a full lavatory and galley, an auxiliary power unit (APU) and an enhanced vision system (EVS). Separately, both GROB and Honeywell announced enhancements to the jet’s APEX Integrated Avionics suite for the GROB SPn cockpit, which Honeywell says offers “pilots the most user-friendly, intuitive displays available in business aviation.” GROB’s new interior configuration comprises four 18-inch single club seats plus two front-facing seats located in the aft cabin. All seats feature adjustable armrests and headrests, and can be reclined and rotated plus moved forward and aft. Other cabin appointments include four fold-out tables, six 110-volt outlets and LED lighting. The toilet or the galley can be located either front or aft in the cabin.

Meanwhile, the new APU — something not normally available aboard aircraft of this size — will provide power for engine start, avionics, and entertainment equipment, among others, as well as bleed air for environmental control. It will be certified for in-flight operation. The new EVS option is manufactured by Kollsman Inc., and will be fully integrated with the APEX avionics and display screens. The enhanced APEX includes TCAS II, weather radar and other functions fully integrated into the user-friendly controls, as well as greater software processing power to allow for future optional equipment, such as auto-throttle (AT) and emergency decent mode (EDM), among others. Other features possible with the Honeywell APEX suite include an optional electronic flight bag, a paperless-cockpit option, dual flight management systems to meet certain European requirements, an integrated Class A enhanced ground proximity warning system and the EVS. Recognizing the added choice now offered, Niall Olver, CEO of ExecuJet Aviation Group, which will market and support the SPn Utility Jet, said, “Today’s new options now give customers more flexibility to configure and confidently operate their GROB SPn in a variety of applications including that of passenger service, air ambulance, cargo or multi mission transport.”

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