WICHITA, Kan. (Dec. 13, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is bringing enhanced flight deck capabilities to new production Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX turboprop platforms. The features include new standard and optional equipment as part of Garmin’s G1000 NXi next-generation integrated flight deck, which provides pilots with greater control and connectivity in the cockpit.
“The Cessna Caravan platform is renowned for its outstanding performance, payload and dispatch reliability,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Elevating the capabilities of the aircraft with advanced avionics ensures our customers have access to the latest technology needed to succeed as pilots and operators.”
Options new to the Caravan series include Garmin’s Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System (E-AFCS) with automated features designed to help pilots retain an optimal envelope. The added features include Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), Underspeed Protection (USP), Emergency Descent Mode (EDM), Coupled Go-Around and an auto-level function.
Other options include Garmin’s GSR 56 Iridium Satellite Data Transceiver Link, which provides near worldwide access to downlink weather services as well as satellite voice communication and text message capabilities.
Flight Stream 510 – now a standard feature in the Caravan cockpit – permits two-way flight plan transfers, and allows pilots to stream traffic, weather and GPS information from the flight deck to select portable and mobile devices where local regulations permit.
New standard equipment also includes dual audio panels with 3D audio capabilities that spatially distribute audio sources and simulate how the human ear naturally hears and processes directional sources. This feature allows flight crews to focus their attention on a preferred audio source and enhances situational awareness by reducing confusion or delayed response time that can occur when hearing multiple audio sources simultaneously.
The features will be available on all 2019 Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX turboprops.
About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. The Textron Aviation brands represent unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, and offer an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable global service network. For more information, visit www.txtav.com
About Africair, Inc.
Africair is the largest Cessna Aircraft Company distributor in the world. As Cessna’s exclusive Authorized Sales Representative for 46 countries in and around Africa, we distribute the entire Cessna product line. Cessna has manufactured more general aviation aircraft than any other company, and is recognized as the industry leader in safety, reliability, performance and innovation.
In addition to selling new and used Cessna aircraft, we provide spare parts, product support, warranty administration, maintenance and technical support, and training coordination for Cessna aircraft owners and operators.
