Grob
G 102 Standard Astir III
Photo: Robert Deering 10/23/2006
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Chantilly, Virginia
Grob G 102 Standard Astir III

Test pilots at Grob-Werke GmbH & Company KG in Germany first flew the Grob 102 Standard Astir III late in 1980. The Standard Astir III is one of several models that the Grob company designed specifically to conform to the international Standard Class category of competitive sailplanes adopted in 1958. On February 17, 1986, Robert Harris flew this Grob 102 Standard Astir III and set a world altitude record of 14,899 m (49,009 ft).  On June 4, 1997, Robert Harris and his wife, Susan Rothermund, donated the Grob 102 to the National Air and Space Museum.

Materials:
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic w/ fuselage stringers of carbon-fiber, assorted aluminum and steel hardware and components.

Source: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

GROB AIRCRAFT

GROB, headquartered in Tussenhausen-Mattsies Germany, with its research, development, manufacturing and assembly facilities starts into a new future with the backing of H3 Aerospace as strategic partner. The new corporation operates under the name GROB AIRCRAFT AG, and is a 100% subsidiary of H3 Aerospace GmbH & Co KG.

GROB AIRCRAFT is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers since 1971. Within its 38 years of history Grob delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents. Its product range evolved from pioneering gliders of the 70s, the record-breaking high altitude aircraft of the 80s and 90s, and to today’s leading edge designed and state-of-the-art business jets, as well as to training and special mission aircraft.

At its inception, GROB successfully produced 200 CIRRUS gliders under license and then soon after developed and manufactured its own ASTIR glider series in both a single seat and dual seat configuration. Already early showing its pioneering spirit, the company also introduced the TWIN III SL self-launching glider.

In the 80s, the GROB received German an American (FAA) type certification for the G 109, the world’s first genuine series production composite motor glider. Taking its expertise in composite technology to a new level in the late 80īs, GROB showed its maturity as an aircraft designer and manufacturer when the company developed, tested and manufactured the G 520Egrett / Strato 1 high-altitude aircraft, gaining five world records. The Strato 2C pushed the limits even further. It was designed for altitudes as high as 78,800 feet (24 000 meters) and an endurance of 48 hours.

Source: www.grob-aircraft.com