Textron Aviation has outlined
the status of development of its new high-performance Cessna Denali
single-engine turboprop, as the program begins fabrication of the first test
articles.
The clean-sheet Denali will
incorporate the latest technology and is being designed to outperform its
competition in capability, pilot interface, cabin experience and ownership
costs. Powered by GE’s advanced turboprop engine, the Denali will offer
single-lever power and propeller control to ease pilot workload, a feature
currently not offered in this class of aircraft.
Since the Denali was unveiled
at Oshkosh last summer, program engineers have started fabrication of the
first static and fatigue test articles and initiated testing with the fuel
system iron bird test article.
“This is an exciting time in
the Denali program as this aircraft is now coming to life through the
production of the first test articles,” said
Brad Thress,
senior vice president, Engineering. “The level of attention that goes into
this phase of development results in a highly mature product in later stages
of the development program, ultimately allowing us to deliver customers a
best-in-class aircraft.”
Textron Aviation has begun
fabrication of Denali door test articles, including the 53-inch wide by
59-inch tall aft cargo door. The large aft cargo door will add enhanced
capability to the Denali, particularly for special mission operators.
Denali engineers have also
started tests on the complete fuel system iron bird mock-up, which has
already yielded valuable feedback for the development team, allowing them to
fine-tune the system early in the process. Additionally, testing is well
underway on McCauley’s 105- nch, five-blade composite propeller. Program
engineers have successfully completed propeller test runs at max RPM,
vibration testing and bird strike testing.
Engineered to achieve cruise
speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, the Denali will
have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and
four passengers and will be able to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago, New
York to Miami or London to Moscow.
The Denali will be powered by
GE’s new advanced turboprop engine. The FADEC-equipped, 1,240 shaft horse
power (SHP)-rated turboprop engine will ease pilot workload with its
single-lever power and propeller control. The airplane will be equipped with
McCauley’s new 105-inch diameter composite, 5-blade, constant speed
propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch and ice
protection. The engine is designed to provide an initial 4,000-hour time
between overhaul and offer class-leading performance retention for an
outstanding hot/high capability.
The aircraft will feature the
Garmin G3000 intuitive touchscreen avionics suite and will include
high-resolution multifunction displays and split-screen capability. The
G3000 flight deck will include weather radar, advanced Terrain Awareness
Warning Systems (TAWS), and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast
(ADS-B) capabilities, which will make it compliant with a significant aspect
of future Next-Generation air traffic control requirements.
The Denali’s flat floor cabin
is designed to be the largest in its segment and will offer the versatility
to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations. The Denali’s
cabin will feature an executive seating configuration of six individual
reclining seats, club-configuration tables and refreshment unit or a
commuter style seating layout with nine individual forward facing seats. The
aircraft will boast a digital pressurization system maintaining a 6,130-foot
cabin altitude at a service ceiling of 31,000 feet.
First in this class of
aircraft, the Denali will offer customers an optional externally serviceable
belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure that is located in the back of
the cabin. Denali customers will also enjoy the large cabin windows,
interior LED lighting, a forward refreshment cabinet and an in-flight
accessible baggage compartment.
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