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Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc.company, will debut a newly-configured Cessna Grand Caravan EX demonstrator at this week’s Paris Airshow. The aircraft features a variety of special mission applications, such as a surveillance console and a medical stretcher, as well as a variety of cabin and seating configurations, including newly designed light-weight production seats in a half club configuration and a stowable utility seat.
“With a high percentage of our Caravan sales going into special mission roles around the world, this platform has proven to be a truly versatile multi-tasker,” said Dan Keady, vice president, Special Missions. “Having a fully equipped special missions Grand Caravan EX demonstrator in the market allows our customers to experience firsthand the extensive range of capabilities available on this platform.”
The Grand Caravan EX is particularly well suited for a wide array of operations due to its spacious cabin, high useful load of more than 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg), large cargo door and the ability to operate from short, unimproved surfaces. These aircraft have proven to be successful in a variety of special mission applications, including aerial survey, air ambulance, paratrooper, amphibious operations, surveillance, training and utility/transport. The Grand Caravan EX can also be manufactured with structural provisions for two hard points on each wing, allowing the aircraft to be configured for missions that require armament.
The demonstrator aircraft is making its global debut through the year with appearances scheduled in Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
About the Grand Caravan EX
The dependable and versatile Grand Caravan EX is counted on for its exceptional and efficient performance by companies and individuals around the world. The powerful 867shp power plant offers improved climb rates and cruise speeds and increased performance in demanding hot and high environments and floatplane operations.
Segment leadership
This year, Cessna celebrates 30 years of the Cessna Caravan and expects to deliver its 2,500th aircraft in the coming months. The fleet, which is now certified in 100 countries, has amassed more than 13 million flight hours since the aircraft was introduced in 1985. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers to humanitarian missions.
Special mission offering
Textron Aviation offers the largest proposition of special mission platforms in the industry, with the entire product range of Beechcraft and Cessna products available in special mission configurations. From piston-engine aircraft to the largest Citation jets, all current production aircraft fit numerous mission profiles.
