Textron Aviation Adds to Growing List of Options for Cessna SkyCourier With Introduction of New Gravel Kit

Rhea-AI Summary

Textron Aviation has announced the introduction of a gravel kit for its new twin-engine Cessna SkyCourier turboprop. This new feature allows for operations on unimproved runways worldwide, significantly enhancing the aircraft's versatility. The first deliveries of the SkyCourier with the gravel kit will commence later this month. The SkyCourier, certified by the FAA in March 2022, is designed for air freight and passenger transport with a 6,000-pound payload capacity. This kit aims to expand its use among various sectors, including government and humanitarian operations.

Positive

• Introduction of a gravel kit enhances the Cessna SkyCourier's operational flexibility.
• First deliveries scheduled for later this month, indicating strong demand.
• SkyCourier certified by FAA in March 2022, showcasing regulatory approval and reliability.

Negative

• None.

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation today announced it is now offering a gravel kit for its new twin-engine, large-utility Cessna SkyCourier turboprop that gives customers the flexibility to operate their aircraft in and out of unimproved runways around the world. First deliveries of the SkyCourier with the installed option will commence later this month.

(Photo: Business Wire)

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. The clean-sheet design aircraft achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in March 2022 with first deliveries following just two months later.

“Cessna aircraft have been moving people and critically-needed goods in and out of remote areas for decades, and this new capability allows SkyCourier customers to operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Flight Operations. “The addition of this new gravel kit greatly enhances the already rugged reliability of the SkyCourier.”

This additional option for the SkyCourier paves the way for further use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, air ambulance operators, freight haulers, corporations and humanitarian organizations.

About the Cessna SkyCourier
The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling large loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. The aircraft features a large door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight.

For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006012/en/

Media:

Whitney E. Watson

+1.316.391.3470

wwatson@txtav.com

txtav.com

Source: Textron

FAQ

What is the new feature introduced for the Cessna SkyCourier?

Textron Aviation has introduced a gravel kit that allows the Cessna SkyCourier to operate on unimproved runways.

When will the first deliveries of the Cessna SkyCourier with the gravel kit commence?

The first deliveries are expected to begin later this month.

What certification did the Cessna SkyCourier achieve?

The Cessna SkyCourier received FAA certification in March 2022.

What sectors can benefit from the Cessna SkyCourier's gravel kit?

The gravel kit expands usage for government agencies, law enforcement, air ambulance operators, and humanitarian organizations.

What is the payload capacity of the Cessna SkyCourier?

The Cessna SkyCourier has a payload capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.