19 September 2011
Grob G120TP elementary and basic trainer (photo : Milborne One)Grob Aircraft has secured a launch customer for its G120TP design, with Indonesia's air force to operate the type as an elementary and basic trainer.
Announcing its selection on 19 September, Grob said the turboprop-powered G120TP had been selected "in the face of fierce competition from the Finmeccanica [Alenia Aermacchi] SF-260TP and the Pacific Aerospace CT-4".
Deliveries will commence in 2012, with the company also providing a computer-based ground training system, mission briefing and debriefing equipment, embedded cockpit simulation and a full package of maintenance support. The deal is likely to be for around 18 aircraft, with Grob expecting a contract signature to occur within the next few weeks.
"Asia is seen by Grob as a key region, with the potential for several other air forces to follow the example set by Indonesia," the company said. It is also offering the G120TP to several other nations, including the UK.
Indonesia also will begin fielding a new fleet of eight Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucanos from next year, following the signature of a contract in June 2011.
The Brazilian-built turboprops will be used for tasks including light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counter-insurgency.
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