Grob Prefect

Grob Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 2009 · light aircraft

The Grob Prefect T1 is the RAF's current elementary flying training aircraft, a turboprop-powered tandem two-seater that replaced the Grob Tutor in the basic training role from 2020 onwards. Its all-composite airframe and modern avionics suite prepare student pilots for fast-jet and multi-engine streams.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Spot it by:

Tandem two-seat turboprop trainer with T-tail
All-composite low-wing monoplane
RAF roundels with bright yellow trainer scheme

Distinguished from the piston Tutor by its larger five-blade composite propeller, longer nose housing the turboprop, and T-tail configuration; the all-composite low wing and tandem cockpit with large bubble canopy are shared with the Tutor family.

Specifications

The Grob Prefect has a length of 9 m (30 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Based on the Grob G 120TP, the Prefect was selected to replace the piston-engined Tutor following the RAF's new Military Flying Training System contract. First deliveries to No. 3 Flying Training School at RAF Cranwell began in 2018, with the type declared fully operational in 2020. The Prefect introduces turboprop handling to student pilots at an earlier stage than the previous syllabus.

Variants

The RAF operates the Prefect as the T1; the baseline Grob G 120TP has been sold to several other air forces under various local designations. No substantive airframe variants have been fielded.

Where you'll see it

The Prefect is currently in front-line service with No. 3 Flying Training School at RAF Cranwell and the University Air Squadrons; it is regularly seen at UK airshows in standard RAF trainer yellow.

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