Step In Modernizing EADS Pilot Training For French Air
Force
It was a cause for celebration last Friday, with the arrival of
the first of two Grob Aerospace G 120A-F training aircraft at the
French Air Force's Flight Training School at its Cognac Air
Base.
The aircraft's arrival included a ceremony marking a significant
step in the EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company)
program to modernize the "ab initio" (the initial phase of flight
training) pilot training for the French Air Force (FAF).
In attendance were French Air Force Chief of Staff and the CEO
of Military Air Systems at EADS Defence Security.
"The selection of the G 120A-F to meet the FAF's challenging
training requirements is a significant endorsement of the aircraft
as the most versatile and cost effective trainer in its class, said
Niall Olver, chief executive, Grob Aerospace.
The G 120A-F, a variant of the G 120A, was modified to meet the
exacting specifications set by the FAF for its pilot training
program.
The first flight of the G 120A-F was February 20, 2007, from the
company's airfield and production facility at
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. Certification of the modifications
was completed by the LBA for the European Aviation Safety Agency on
March 22, 2007.
Grob Aerospace has a contract with EADS Military Air Systems to
supply 18 aircraft, with options for more. Delivery is expected at
two aircraft per month, with the entire fleet in place by the end
of 2007. Additionally, Grob Aerospace is providing a comprehensive
"spares" package and long-term support services for the
aircraft.
First flown in 1999, the
G 120A is a cost-effective and versatile training aircraft
that meets the most challenging forms of military primary flying
training; it is certified for full aerobatics and for flying under
IFR.
The G120A was specifically designed to meet the most challenging
forms of primary pilot training. It is certified by both the EASA
and the FAA to +6/-4 g. The aircraft is fitted with its powerful
260 hp Lycoming engine and provides the ideal training platform for
the full range of conventional high-performance aerobatic
maneuvers.
It also offers excellent handling at both high and low
airspeeds, making it ideal to tackle the full spectrum of primary
training requirements, including pilot screening, instrument
flying, navigation and mission- oriented tasks which previously
required two different aircraft types.
The airframe is manufactured entirely from carbon fibre
composite, which, according to the company, gives it a competitive
advantage by offering high strength and long fuselage life,
lightweight construction, and associated low fuel consumption and
low maintenance costs.
Grob Aerospace is recognized for its military training aircraft,
with numerous NATO Air Forces using its aircraft for pilot
training, including the Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Canadian
Air Force, Israeli Air Force and United Arab Emirates Air Force. It
has sold over 400 G 115 and G 120 trainers since
1987.
Founded in 1971, Grob Aerospace is headquartered in Zurich,
Switzerland, but maintains its own purpose-built airfield in
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, ideally co-locating there its
research, development, manufacturing, assembly and product support
facilities. Grob Aerospace is one of the world's largest composite
aircraft manufacturer, having delivered more than 3,500 aircraft
that have flown more than seven million hours on five
continents.
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