Aircraft

 

Grob 109b 'Vigilant' T Mk. 1 Motor Glider

 

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The Grob 109B motor glider, known by the RAF as the Vigilant T1, is used by the Air Cadet Organisation to give basic flying and gliding training to air cadets. The aircraft is built in Germany, but it has been modified to meet the RAF’s training requirements by the inclusion of an additional throttle in the cockpit and an increase in the maximum take-off weight. Their role is to train air cadets in basic flying techniques and to enable them to reach a standard where they are able to fly solo.

 

The aircraft is powered by a Grob 2500E1 horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which provides a direct drive to a Hoffman Ho- V62 R/L160BT variable-pitch, two-bladed propeller. The conventional landing gear, which is non-retractable, comprises two main wheels with fairing's, and a tail wheel, which is steered through the rudder pedals. A retrofitted throttle is provided for use by the left-hand seat, giving the student the familiar military configuration of right-hand stick and left-hand throttle arrangement.

 

The Vigilant TMk1 is a cost-effective, modern aircraft. Its docile handling characteristics, combined with good fuel economy, make it an excellent training aircraft for cadets and instructors alike.

 

Span: 17.4m (57.1ft)
Length: 8.1m (26.6ft)
Height: 1.7m (5.6ft)
Aspect Ratio: 16:1
Wing Area: 19m² (204.5ft²)

Max. Flying Weight:

908kg (2002lbs)

Max. Wing Loading:

47.8kg/m² (9.8lbs/ft²)
Engine: Grob 2500 horizontally opposed 4 cylinder air cooled
 
Maximum Speeds
Never exceed speed in calm air: 130kts (below 6500ft up to 850kg)
Normal operations in Calm air: 117kts (up to 850kg)
Max. speed in turbulence/maneuvering: 83kts (up to 850kg)
 
Flight Performance Envelope
Acceleration limits: +3.5/0g (up to 850kg)
Best angle of climb: 49kts
Best rate of climb: 60 kts(fine pitch) 75kts (coarse pitch)
Best glide angle: 1:28
Cruise fuel consumption: 12-15 litres per hour (100ltr tank)
 
Mass and Balance
Max all up mass for take-off/landing: 908kg
Max baggage: 17kg
Max fuel mass: 72kg
Max crew mass for solo flight: 110kg
Max crew mass for dual flight: 220kg
CG limits: 271mm forward to 427mm aft of datum