Grob G 120TP

G 120TP
Grob G 120TP
Role Trainer
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Grob Aircraft
First flight 2010
Developed from Grob G-120
G 120TP in 2011
G 120TP at a photoshoot at open sea

The Grob G 120TP is a two-seat turboprop training and aerobatic low-wing aircraft with a composite airframe, built by Grob Aircraft. It is based on the Grob G 120A training aircraft and has been developed for military and civil pilots training. It has a retractable tricycle landing gear and a low tailplane.

The first customer was the Indonesian Air Force. EASA Part 23 type certification was completed in May 2013.[1]

Design and development

Designed to be a further development of the G 120A, the G 120TP turned during the development process into a nearly new type of aircraft. Due to the new powertrain, the G 120TP offers new capabilities for basic and advanced pilot training where it can be used as a lead in for a jet trainer.[2]

The airframe is made of fiberglass reinforced plastic and is stressed to +6/-4g. The wings are made of carbon fibre composites with winglets.

The cockpit provides room for students and teachers wearing military equipment and helmets. The HOTAS control system is similar to that found in other types of aircraft that students may fly later in their careers. Therefore basic and advanced flight training for future transport aircraft, helicopter or jet pilots will be possible. The cockpit is equipped with movable seats, or optional the new Martin-Baker Mk.17 lightweight ejection seats can be chosen. The instrument panel can be equipped with a 4-screen Genesys Aerosystems IDU-680 EFIS.[3] [4] An air conditioning system and oxygen system are available as well as a second thrust lever.

Operators

Ceremonial handover of 4 of 18 (plus 14 on option) G 120TPs to the Indonesian Air Force.
Ceremonial handover of the first batch of four G 120TPs (10 ordered, plus 5 on option) to Argentina.
 Argentina
Argentina is the second operator of the G 120TP - but the first one using the digital cockpit configuration. Deliveries of the first batch of four aircraft started in June 2013. 10 (+5) aircraft were ordered.[5]
 Indonesia
The launch customer for the G 120TP was the Indonesian Air Force. Deliveries have started. The contract is for 18 aircraft (+6 follow-up orders out of 14 optional) as well as a G 120TP – Flight Simulation Training Device.[6][7]
 Mexico
The Mexican Air Force (FAM) has selected the Grob G 120TP as its new elementary trainer. The contract contains 25 aircraft (+15) with delivery of first batch expected to be in February 2015.[8][9]
 United Kingdom
The future UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) program will provide British military pilots elementary training on G 120TPs according to some press reports. The system replaces separate flying fixed-wing and rotary training programs for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps. The service provider Affinity will likely include the G 120TP together with the Beechcraft T-6 the initial, basic and advanced training, and with the Embraer Phenom 100 the Transport Pilot segment.[10]

Specifications

G 120TP at Santorini/Greece

Data from Grob[11]

General characteristics

Performance

Avionics

The Digital Cockpit of the G 120TP consists of 4 EFIS Cobham/Chelton Flight Systems IDU-680.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grob G 120TP.