Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop is advancing through significant milestones as it enters the certification flight test phase. This follows the FAA Type Inspection Authorization achieved earlier this year. Each development milestone has provided the flight test program team with a deeper understanding of the aircraft’s strength, capability, and durability. The clean-sheet aircraft recently completed the first on-aircraft certification ground and flight testing of its avionics systems.
The Beechcraft Denali, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has made substantial progress. The fleet of three flight test aircraft has accumulated nearly 2,000 flight test hours across more than 830 flights, with the program aiming for FAA certification by 2025.
The Denali’s advanced avionics take full advantage of state-of-the-art technology to ease pilot workload,” stated Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. Commencing certification flight testing on the aircraft marks a significant milestone for the program, and we are excited to get this aircraft into the hands of our eager customers.
The Denali cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite, featuring high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. A standard feature of the aircraft is the integrated Garmin autothrottle, which interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide seamless speed control throughout all flight phases from takeoff to touchdown.
Additional standard G3000 features include a 10-inch weather radar, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS-B), and dual transponders with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities, meeting the latest air traffic control requirements.
The Beechcraft Denali is engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. It is designed to have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers, enabling flights from Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami, or London to Athens.
Textron Aviation’s progress with the Denali underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in aircraft design, marking a pivotal step toward delivering this advanced turboprop to the market.