H3 GROB AIRCRAFT, one of the world’s leading providers of military pilot training systems, is expanding its presence to countries in the NATO alliance with the G 120TP.
Sweden, the USA, the UK, and Germany are the first NATO countries to benefit from the company’s complex G 120TP training system.
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innovative ideas from the very beginning
Since the company was founded in 1971, GROB AIRCRAFT has impressed with innovative ideas in aircraft construction. While initially, the buyers were mainly private enthusiasts, in the mid-1980s the tables were turned with the introduction of the G 115. The most capable version, the G 115E, was already being used as a military training aircraft by the British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. All G 115s were made entirely of composite materials and were designed for maximum g-forces of +6/-3g, making them fully aerobatic.
As a result, the company was one of the leading manufacturers of composite aircraft with excellent flight characteristics at an early stage. With the introduction of the G 120A at the end of the 1980s, the course for further development was set, and with the granting of FAR 23 certification in 2001, the company’s success was finally assured. The German, Israeli and Canadian Air Forces have been operating the first G 120A fleets since 2001, followed by the French Air Force in 2007.
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the leading manufacturer of composite aircraft
When the company was acquired by the family-run H3 AEROSPACE GROUP in 2009, another decisive chapter began on the way to becoming a global provider of training systems. The first thing the company focused on was the further development of the G 120A into the G 120TP. Conceived as a variant of the G 120A, however, the G 120TP has been virtually redeveloped over the years, resulting in a stand-alone aircraft that is no longer comparable to the former G 120A.
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global provider of training systems
Powered by a high-performance Rolls Royce (Allison) turbine engine, the G 120TP enters completely new dimensions of military pilot training and sets new standards in pilot training.
The GROB G 120TP training aircraft are equipped with a modern glass cockpit and the latest digital technology. The combination of simplicity in basic training and a high-tech mission system for advanced pilot training enables the Air Force to use a highly efficient and economically unique training system. A costly change of aircraft types is eliminated. Thanks to the modular and perfectly coordinated training system, trainee pilots are excellently prepared for different aircraft types when they complete their training. This ensures a smooth transition for further training and specialization of the young pilots, for example for jets, transport aircraft, or helicopters.
It is not only the air forces that benefit from huge savings. Pilots in particular benefit from better training that improves their skills and safety. The classic “Stick and Rudder” skills are trained as well as “Information management”, the latter is a very important skill when training for Fifth-generation Fighter aircraft.
This “full digital glass” cockpit also provides the ability to download a significant number of training curriculum modules that are typically flown on more complex aircraft with a much higher purchase price and operating costs. Not only will the operator gain significant savings, but as mentioned earlier, the pilot in particular will have better quality training that will increase his proficiency and safety at a lower cost.
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more efficient and safer training at a lower cost
Theoretical training takes place within the framework of the H3 GROB TRAINING SYSTEM (GTS). The central component of the GTS is the G 120TP flight simulator. The cockpit of the Flight Training Device FTD corresponds to the actual aircraft configuration. The dome display system (300° x 160° FOV) provides realistic visualization of different environments and flight scenarios, complemented by simulation of significant acoustic cues for training rapid decision-making processes.
Added to this is the specially developed “Computer-Based Training” (CBT). It provides the theoretical learning content in the form of software that allows trainee pilots to learn at their speed and regardless of location using pre-configured tablets – but always connected to the CBT Server and under the supervision of the flight instructor (FI).
In addition, there is a fully functional cockpit that is used as a Procedure Trainer (CPT). The CPT enables rapid learning of basic cockpit and instrument layout and checklist procedures before the flying phase on the G 120TP begins.
Another milestone is the current development of interactive learning processes in the context of Virtual Reality applications. The VR-training environment combines state-of-the-art hardware, including VR-Headset, hand-tracking, and physical flight controls, with custom-tailored software to provide users with a virtual training platform that fulfills their specific requirements.
The system allows for the familiarization of physical controls and operating elements, including the engine, and aerodynamics while the VR headset provides a realistic flight impression that follows every head movement of the student. The system erases boundaries and limits in previous existing flight simulation models. It trains cognitive skills, motor skills, and mechanisms.
In combination with the element of virtual reality, the trainee can learn through an all-encompassing flight experience from basic flight training, procedures, and maneuvers. It reduces error rates and costs significantly while expanding the learning experience for student pilots.
It is therefore fair to say that H3 GROB AIRCRAFT provides a training system that is second to none. The holistic training system is offered and sold worldwide under the in-house label ACE – Aviation Centers of Excellence. The complete planning of hangars and training buildings is also part of the ACE concept. Everything from one source is not just an advertising slogan here but lived reality.
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ACE (Aviation Centers of Excellence) – a holistic training system available worldwide
The advantages are obvious, as this concept allows all resources of the company to be used cost-effectively and highly efficiently: From the provision of one of the most modern training aircraft in the world, the in-house maintenance of the aircraft, the GTS training system for all theoretical aspects of the training to the planning and construction of the complete environment in the ACE package.
The fact that NATO countries Sweden, the USA, Great Britain, and also Germany have recently chosen the H3 GROB AIRCRAFT proves that the future for state-of-the-art training concepts “Made in Germany” has just begun and that the long tradition of German aircraft manufacturing will be continued.
Text by: H3 Grob Aircraft SE
Edited by: Thomas Reinert
