Grob G180 SPn

The composite business aircraft built for short-field jet operations

Grob SPn Utility Jet © Juergen Lehle

Overview

Grob Germany 2006–Present $7.2 million

The Grob G180 SPn is a twin-engine business aircraft developed with composite construction and short-field capability. Designed to operate from smaller airports while offering jet-like speed, it targeted the entry-level business jet market. The aircraft reflected Grob’s experience with composite airframes.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Williams FADEC Controlled
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 2,800 lbf · 12 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Primus Apex
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
9 economy · 8 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
—
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
—
Baggage volume
2 ft³  ·  0.1 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
18,900 lb  ·  8,550 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,500 lb  ·  1,150 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
415 kt  ·  478 mph  ·  769 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
—
Fuel burn
6.40 nm/gal  ·  3.13 km/L
Ceiling
—
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
3,000 ft  ·  910 m
Landing distance
2,650 ft  ·  810 m
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Grob G180 SPn

Operational Context

Grob G180 SPn — composite twin-engine business aircraft

The G180 SPn program was launched in the early 2000s as Grob’s attempt to enter the business aircraft segment. Featuring a pressurized composite fuselage and twin turbofan engines mounted on the rear fuselage, the aircraft first flew in 2005. It was intended to provide jet performance with improved operating economics and access to shorter runways.

Powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines producing approximately 2,300 pounds of thrust (10 kN) each, the G180 SPn cruises at about 380 knots (705 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 13,000 pounds (5,900 kg). The cabin typically seats up to six passengers in executive configuration.

Despite promising performance characteristics, production numbers remained limited. Financial difficulties and market competition constrained the program’s success. The G180 SPn remains a distinctive example of composite construction applied to light business aircraft design.