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Aviation History
1997
1997 - 3165.PDF
6KNBRAL AVIATION Grob builds variant of GF200 ANDRZEJ JEZIORSKI/MUNICH GERMAN COMPOSITE air craft manufacturer Burkhart Grob Aerospace is making a proto type variant of its four-seat GF200 business aircraft. The company, which has been searching for a partner for the pro ject, says that it has decided to pro ceed 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 air craft is fitted with the necessary equipment for pressurisation, as well as a de-icing system, and AlliedSignal BendixV King avionics allowing instrument-flight-rules (IFR) operations. Grob is supporting the proto type, but die company still hopes to find a partner to help fund series production. Partnership negotia tions with various unnamed com panies 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 GF2 50 will be powered by a 200kW (270hp) Textron Lycoming TIO-S40 pis ton 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 3 50, which could have up to eight seats and would be powered by twin Allison turboshafts. • Bombardier and Lufthansa set up maintenance centre BOMBARDIER Aviation Services (BAS) and Luthansa Technik will open their first European service centre on 20 November, bringing to eight the total number of BAS service cen tres worldwide. Called Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services (LBAS), die centre, based at Berlin Schonefeld Airport, will be respon sible for service, maintenance, repair and overhaul of Learjet and Challenger ranges of aircraft, and for the forthcoming Global Express long-range business jet. LBAS also plans to provide an interior refurbishment capability at a later date. • NEWS IN BRIEF • IN THE PIPELINE UK gas pipeline company Transco has awarded a five- year contract to two UK heli copter operators to perform visual checks on its 18,000km (11,000 miles) of major pipe lines. Aeromega Helicopters of Stapleford, Essex, and Norfolk, Norwich-based Sterling Helicopters will fly up to five Bell 206JetRangers daily throughout the year to monitor the areas where the pipes are laid. • AUSTRALIA RACE A London-to-Sydney air race will form part of the celebra tions of the centenary of Australia's federation in March/April 2001, with A$500,000 ($350,000) in prize money. Talks are under way to start at Biggin Hill Airport near London. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 19 - 25 November 1997 25
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