Beechcraft Denali advances certification plans with successful avionics testing

Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop continues to surpass significant milestones as it begins the certification flight test phase of the program following FAA Type Inspection Authorization achieved earlier this year.

Each major development milestone has allowed the members of the flight test program a better understanding of the aircraft’s strength, capability and durability, and the clean-sheet aircraft recently completed the first on-aircraft certification ground and flight testing of the avionics systems.

The fleet of three flight test aircraft has now completed nearly 2,000 flight test hours with more than 830 flights, and the program continues toward anticipated FAA certification expected in 2025.

“The Denali’s advanced avionics take full advantage of state-of-the-art technology to ease pilot workload,” said 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 features the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite featuring high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. An integrated Garmin autothrottle is a standard feature, which interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide easy speed control throughout all regimes of flight from takeoff to touchdown.

Other 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, which are compliant with the latest air traffic control requirements.

Engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, the Denali is designed to 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 Athens.

The Denali is the first aircraft powered with GE Aerospace’s Catalyst engine, a more efficient engine that burns less fuel than competitors in the same size class. Like the company’s other aircraft, the Denali can also use sustainable aviation fuel. The FADEC-equipped, 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP)-rated turboprop engine eases pilot workload with its single-lever power and propeller control.

The airplane is also 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 cockpit features the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. An integrated Garmin autothrottle interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide easy speed control throughout all regimes of flight from takeoff to touchdown. The revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system is also being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program, and will be available as a standard feature at time of entry into service.

The Beechcraft Denali’s flat-floor cabin is designed to be the largest in its segment and offers the versatility to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations. The cabin features a standard seating configuration of six individual reclining seats and offers a nine-place high density seating option. Passengers will also enjoy large cabin windows, a forward refreshment cabinet and an in-flight accessible baggage compartment. An optional externally serviceable belted lavatory in the rear of the cabin is also available.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 9th May 2024 | Issue #747