Grob G 115E

Type (Muster)
Light single-engined trainer (Kolbenmotor-Trainer)

Country (Land)
Germany (Deutschland)

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Grob Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Aerospace Division
Lettenbachstr. 8
86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies
Germany

Phone: 08268/998-0
Fax: 08268/998-114

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 2

Power plant (Antrieb): Textron Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F
Power (Leistung): 180 hp (134 kW)
Propeller: three-blade, constant speed

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 7,79 m
Height (Höhe): 2,82
Span (Spannweite): 10,00 m
Wing area (Flügelfläche): 12,21 sq m
Aspect ratio (Streckung): 8.2

Weights (Massen)
Standard empty weight (Leermasse ): 690 kg
Max. useful load (Zuladung): 300 kg
Fuel (Kraftstoff): 140 litres
Max. take-off weight (Startmasse): 990 kg
Landing weight (Landemasse): 920 kg

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Never exceed speed (Höchstzulässige Geschwindigkeit): 184 kts (341 km/h)
Max. speed (Geschwindigkeit): 146 kts (270 km/h)
Cruise speed, 75 per cent power (Reisegeschwindigkeit): 124 kts (230 km/h) at 5000 ft, ISA
Stall speed (überziehgeschwindigkeit): 52 kts (96 km/h)
Take-off roll (Startrollstrecke): 250 m
Take-off distance (Startstrecke): 460 m over 15 m obstacle
Landing distance (Landestrecke): 380 m over 15 m obstacle
Landing run (Landerollstrecke): 180 m
Rate of climb (Steigrate): 5,33 m/s at max. weight
Service ceiling (Dienstgipfelhöhe): 16000 ft (4875 m)
Range (Reichweite): 1250 km at 45 per cent power, no reserve
Endurance (Flugdauer): 5 h 40 min
g-limits: +6/-3

Costs (Kosten)
List price of the G 115D was quoted as 448040 DM in 1998.

Customers (Kunden)
Bombardier Services will use 85 (plus 15 options) for a turnkey training contract (50000 hours per year) for the RAF, beginning in 1999. The Royal Navy already uses five G 115D2s.

Competition (Konkurrenz)
Slingsby Firefly

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
Development of the G 115 dates back to the early eighties, and the first flight of the prototype was in November 1985. After some modifications, German certification was achieved on 31. March 1987. A total of 107 G 115/G 115A was built until mid-1990, when production was terminated.
After installation of more powerful engines and other revisions, Grob re-introduced the aircraft in 1993. Versions include:

G 115C with 160 hp Textron Lycoming O-320 engine. First flown 26 January 1993. About 40 built so far
G 115D with 180 hp engine, fully aerobatic. First flown on 2 March 1993.
G 115D2 with 160 hp (119 kW) engine. Five built for Bombardier Services, which employs them on a fixed-price contract to screen and provide elementary flight training and conversion courses for Royal Navy Pilots at Plymouth (Roborough).
G 115E is a G115D with some changes in response to RAF requirements. It was selected by the Royal Air Force in mid-June 1998 for use by the University Air Squadrons and the Air Cadet Air Experience Flights. Bombardier Services will buy and manage the aircraft to give the RAF 50000 hours per year over a ten year contract. Users will mainly consist of the University Air Squadrons and air cadets at 13 sites across the country. The first four G 115Es were handed over from Grob to Bombardier Services at the end of July 1999.

There is also a variant with retractable undercarriage and more power, designated G 115TA Acro.

Last updated 11 August 1999

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