German Turboprop Takes Show by Surprise -- Grob 140 Is in a Class of its Own

How many business fliers have wanted to take three of their professional colleagues for a Lomcevak after lunch?

Burkhart Grob has the right airplane in its outdoor exhibit, where there was a surprise awaiting show visitors expecting that the new G 120A trainer would be the latest thing on display. Developed in secret, the Grob G 140TP is a four-seater; a turboprop; is aerobatic (in the tradition of G 115s now training students for the RAF, Egyptian and UAE Air Forces); built, like all Grobs, of composite materials; and has the potential for pressurization in later variants.

While this may seem to be the answer to a question that has never been asked, Grob is confident that executive pilots and training schools will appreciate the unique blend of qualities combined within this one airframe. Some additional sales are anticipated to private individuals and for specialist applications such as surveillance. The generously roomy cabin will be appreciated by large occupants and those wanting to fit sensors and similar equipment.

The G 140TP has yet to fly. Trials are expected to begin in September, leading to certification at the end of 2002. Power, 450 shp of it, comes from a Rolls-Royce 250-B17F turboprop, driving a Muhlbauer MTV-5 five-blade propeller, to give a cruising speed of 213 knots at 10,000 feet. Range with four-up and 30 minutes' reserves is 575 nmi) and g limits for normal operation range from +4.4/­1.76.

In bursting onto the aerospace scene, the G 140TP is in danger of overshadowing its smaller relative, the G 120A. Announced only in January, this retractable gear development of the G 115 line is being launched on the strength of an order for six by Lufthansa, which plans to base them at its pilot school at Goodyear, Arizona. The G 120A and specialized G 120 Observer version are powered by a 260 hp Textron Lycoming AEIO-540.

Yet to fly, the Grob G 140TP prototype is a surprise addition to the static display.

By Paul Jackson