Flying & Gliding

Technical Data - Grob 115

Engine info

Engine type: Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F/B

Power: 180 HP

Propeller: 3-blade ,constant-speed

Aircraft info

Wingspan: 10.0 m

Length: 7.8 m

Height: 2.8 m

Wing area: 12.2 m²

Aspect ratio: 8.2

Aerobatic characteristics

Max. load factors: +6/ -3 g

Performance Spec

Max. Take-off Weight: 990 kg

Max. Landing Weight: 990 Kg

Max. Useful Load: 320 kg

Useable Fuel: 143 ltr/ 37.8 USGal

Take off Distance to 15 m / 50 ft at SL/ISA, max. weight: 461 m/ 1510 ft

Landing Distance from 15 m/ 50 ft at SL/ ISA, 30 max. weight: 457 m/ 1500 ft

Speed info

Max. level Speed 135 kts (250 km/h)

Cruise speed 124 kts (230 km/h)

Stalling speed: 52 KIAS* (96 km/h)

* KIAS stands for: Knots Indicated Airspeed.

1 kt = 1.15mph

1 KIAS = 1.15mph

Cadets of 248 Sqn get the chance to fly at least once a year. While in the ATC (Air Training Corps), cadets will have the opportunity to go on AEF's (Air Experience Flights) and even achieve Flying Scholarships.

The Grob 115 - "The Tutor"

Gliding

The backbone of the winch-launch fleet is the Grob 103 or as we know it, the Viking. A two seat glider used for AEG,GIC and AGT training.

The Viking has no engine and is accelerated to its flying speed by different means. One method is aerotowing whereby a powered aircraft acts as a tug and pulls the glider off the ground and up to a predetermined height by means of a towing cable. However, as a cadet, it is unlikely that you will experience this method of launching a glider. If you are affiliated to a Viking school you will experience the winch launch.

The Grob 109 or Vigilant as we know it, differs from other air Cadet Gliders in that it has an engine and propeller, so it can launch itself.

The Vigilant can taxi, take off and climb under its own power to a height selected by the instructor. It can be flown as a glider by allowing the engine to idle or, for some advanced exercises with the engine off all together. It can soar in thermals given reasonable thermic conditions. The engine is not powerful enough for rapid climbing, taking some five minutes or so to reach 2,000 feet. However, the ground handling time is reduced and manpower requirements are less than the Viking.

The Vigilant is used for GIC, GS and AGT training and unlike the Viking where you may experience a number 5-7 minute flights in order to achieve training objectives, Vigilant sorties typically last for about 45 minutes.

The Vigilant T MK 1 is a self-launching motor glider designed and built in Germany but modified to incorporate RAF requirements.