CEO "Confident This Disruption Can Be Overcome"

Aero-News has confirmed storied German planemaker Grob Aerospace filed for insolvency Tuesday, citing delays in the development of its all-composite Grob spn very light jet.

"This unfortunate situation has arisen as a consequence of recent delays in the spn program, resulting in the increased requirement for cash to see the program through to certification," said CEO Niall Olver. "Under the circumstances, our current loan provider has elected to discontinue their support."

A perennial exhibitor at industry trade shows for years, Grob flew the first prototype spn in 2005. Development progressed rapidly from that point, but suffered a setback in November 2006 when the company's second prototype crashed on a test flight, killing company pilot Gerard Guillaumaud.

Since that time, the company has built two more prototypes, the latest of which flew for the first time earlier this month.

As Grob continued development of the spn, the company also attracted attention from larger planemakers. As ANN reported, in January Bombardier Aerospace announced Grob had been tasked to develop the all-composite airframe for its upcoming Learjet 85, and assemble the first three prototypes.

The planemaker says it will continue with those plans while Grob works through insolvency proceedings. Bombardier had previously announced its plans to transfer production work for the Lear 85 to its own plant in Queretaro, Mexico, with final assembly performed at the company's plant in Wichita, KS.

Grob first came to prominence in the aerospace community in the 1970s, with its line of popular gliders. In recent years, the company expanded into the piston single segment, with the G 115 trainer and later variants, including the turboprop-powered G 140TP.

Niall said Tuesday he expects Grob will survive through the insolvency process.

"Given the significant support we have enjoyed to date, I remain confident that this disruption can be overcome," he said. "I am sure that 37 years of pioneering composite aircraft manufacturing will survive. The company spirit, the support we have received from employees, suppliers, customers, fellow stakeholders and the media demonstrates a significant interest in Grob remaining in business as a civil & military training aircraft manufacturer."

FMI: www.grob-aerospace.net