Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany // November 11, 2024

H3 Grob Aircraft SE proudly announces that its successful primary and advanced trainer aircraft, the G 120TP, has achieved certification for flight into Known Icing (FIKI). This critical milestone enables pilots and training organizations to legally fly in forecasted light and moderate icing conditions, significantly expanding operational possibilities in regions where icing is more prevalent and enhancing training availability and flexibility.

TKS System: Cutting-Edge Ice Protection

During the certification process, the aircraft had to demonstrate safe handling even with up to ¾ inch of ice on unprotected surfaces—a rigorous testing procedure that requires precise planning and readiness to conduct flights during the optimal winter weather window.

The G 120TP relies on a TKS system to protect its wings and horizontal stabilizer. This method disperses a special fluid along the leading edges, lowering the freezing point of water and preventing ice formation. Unlike pneumatic boots or bleed-air heated systems that only protect the front edges, TKS fluid flows across a broader surface area, shielding parts of the wing further aft where ice can unexpectedly build up. This delivers improved safety and fewer operational limitations in challenging weather conditions.

Optimized Training for Next-Generation Pilots

The new Known Icing certification is another step in H3 Grob Aircraft SE’s strategy to offer a comprehensive and efficient training solution. The G 120TP is engineered as a universal trainer for both basic and advanced instruction, featuring:

• Greater Training Efficiency: The flexible digital cockpit easily adapts to fighter, transport, or helicopter specialization, ensuring students learn exactly what they need for their future role.
• Cost Savings: A robust, long-life composite structure (up to 15,000 flight hours in aerobatic conditions) reduces maintenance demands. High reliability and lower operating costs make the G 120TP an economically appealing choice for military and civilian training.
• Modern Technology: The aircraft’s open-architecture avionics support both analog and digital displays, incorporate civil and military communication and navigation systems, enable tactical mission simulation, and offer in-depth flight data recording for debriefing.
• Full Aerobatic Capability: Certified for +6 / -4 G, the G 120TP includes a strong retractable landing gear built for rigorous training environments.
• Powerful, User-Friendly Engine: A single-lever Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turboprop engine delivers up to 456 SHP for advanced maneuvers, while “Flex Power” mode can physically limit output during ab initio training phases.

Advantages for Flight Schools and Armed Forces

With FIKI certification, flight schools and training centers can conduct lessons more reliably, even in winter or transitional weather periods. This development significantly increases aircraft availability and improves safety standards by reducing weather-related delays or cancellations.
The G 120TP is also certified to the latest FAR 23 standards and boasts an exceptionally spacious side-by-side cockpit that instructors appreciate for optimal oversight and hands-on teaching. It comes equipped with numerous safety features, including a Traffic Advisory System (TAS), Digital Flight Data Recorder (FDR), Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), and Mission Debriefing System (MDS).

Summary

By securing Known Icing certification, H3 Grob Aircraft SE continues to set new industry benchmarks in military and civil pilot training. The G 120TP stands out as a powerful, flexible, and now fully certified platform that maintains high safety margins in unpredictable weather conditions.
These innovations and technological advancements ensure that flight academies and air forces worldwide can train the next generation of pilots more effectively—emphasizing safety, adaptability, and cost-efficiency.

About H3 Grob Aircraft SE

Headquartered in Tussenhausen–Mattsies, Germany, H3 Grob Aircraft SE is a leading global manufacturer of training and specialized mission aircraft. Since its establishment in 1971, H3 Grob Aircraft SE has been at the forefront of composite aircraft innovation, delivering exceptional value, reliability, and support to operators worldwide. H3 Grob Aircraft SE’s aircraft serve both military and civil aviation sectors globally, ensuring pilots at all experience levels receive first-class flight training.

For more information, please visit www.grob-aircraft.com or contact us at k.urbanova.ext@grob-aircraft.com.

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