Grob G 520

The Grob G 520 ‘EGRETT’ is a turboprop-powered long-endurance, high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Grob Aircraft. Since September 1988, it has been the holder of several world records relating to altitude and time to climb.

The G 520 was developed during the 1980s to fulfil a joint German Air Force – United States Air Force requirement for a high-altitude, long-duration surveillance platform. The resulting aircraft is one of the world's largest fully composite manned aircraft; it possesses full approval for all-weather IFR/icing operations according to LBA/FAA Part 23 regulations along with short runway capabilities. While designing the G 520, Grob Aircraft closely collaborated with two other companies: E-Systems and Garrett; the name ‘Egrett’ was derived from the three companies involved in its design. The D-450 EGRETT I development aircraft performed its maiden flight on 24 June 1987.

During 1991, the G 520 received certification; one year later, an order was placed by the German Air Force for production of nine EGRETT IIs, however, this was cancelled in 1993. Several single-seat aircraft, as well the sole twin-seat trainer G 520T, were completed during the early 1990s. The type has been used by various agencies, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR), to undertake scientific research and other niche high-altitude roles, including the highest known glider tow for the Windward Performance Perlan II in 2018. During the mid 2010s, Grob Aircraft announced their intention to resume quantity production of a modernised version of the aircraft, designated G 520NG; new abilities include its potential use as an optionally piloted vehicle.