Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
German composite aircraft manufacturer Burkhart Grob Aerospace is making a prototype variant of its four-seat GF200 business aircraft.
The company, which has been searching for a partner for the project, says that it has decided to proceed with the prototype because a Teal Group market study identified market demand for a variant with a pressurised cabin.
Structurally, the new GF250 is similar to the GF200, but the aircraft is fitted with the necessary equipment for pressurisation, as well as a de-icing system, and AlliedSignal Bendix/ King avionics allowing instrument-flight-rules (IFR) operations.
Grob is supporting the prototype, but the company still hopes to find a partner to help fund series production. Partnership negotiations with various unnamed companies are continuing, but are "not easy", says Grob.
The company hopes that the pressurised GF250 will make the programme more attractive to potential partners.
Grob plans to roll out the new test aircraft in early 1998, and hopes to complete certification of both variants between six months and a year later.
Like the GF200, the GF250 will be powered by a 200kW (270hp) Textron Lycoming TIO-540 piston engine which drives a Hartzell three-bladed pusher propeller.
The manufacturer still hopes eventually to produce stretched, six-seat variants of the aircraft: the GF 300, powered by a 313kW Allison turboshaft, and the GF 350, which could have up to eight seats and would be powered by twin Allison turboshafts.
Source: Flight International
