Revamped RAF Vigilant Introduced at Aero Friedrichshafen 2022

Germany Will see the first public display of Aerobility's new Grob G109B Able aircraft, a recent addition to their fleet and newcomer to their product lineup.

Aerobility is the UK's largest aviation charity for disabled services, bringing the ability to fly to many who otherwise might not enjoy the skies. Their showing of the Grob G109B, or as it was known while being worked on,  Project Able, will be the first time that the updated, modified, and recertified variant has been shown to the public. The Able is built on the base Grob G109B motorglider, famously used by the Royal Air Force as a trainer aircraft as the Vigilant T1. 

Project Able takes the original design and updates to keep pace in the modern era, revamping the Grob with new, modern avionics and Rotax 912iS3 engines. Aerobility builds the Able on the very same original RAF Vigilant T1 hulls, recycling the classic aircraft and bringing new life to a beloved design. Each sale will go to support Aerobility's efforts, with assistance from around the industry.

Grob Aircraft exec Aubrey Waugh said they were happy to support the project and “return these iconic Grob aircraft to flight for the next generation to enjoy”.

Mike Miller-Smith, Aerobility CEO, said the project was only possible with the help of a number of helpful industry friends. “The Honor Roll of organizations which have facilitated and enabled this unique project is incredible, and many of these organizations are participating or visiting at Aero themselves including Rotax, MT-Propeller, Garmin, Kanardia, Hayward Aviation, and Close Brothers. AERO themselves have also been hugely supportive, donating our exhibition participation at the show” 

“Aerobility exists to change lives through the magic of flight," Miller-Smith continued. "We are very proud to present this new aircraft type which will deliver magic to its owners whilst also supporting disabled aviation. We only have a fixed amount of these aircraft to sell and we hope interest at AERO will be high.”

FMI: www.g109able.org