Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Aviation subsidiary, debuted the newly-configured Cessna Grand Caravan EX demonstrator at this year’s Paris Air Show.
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 lightweight 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 well suited for a wide array of operations due to its spacious cabin, high useful load of more than 3,500 lb, large cargo door and its 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 throughout the year with appearances scheduled in Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
The versatile Grand Caravan EX is renowned around the world for its efficient performance; the powerful 867shp power plant offers improved climb rates and cruise speeds as well as increased performance in demanding hot and high environments and floatplane operations.
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, and cargo carriers to humanitarian missions.
June 29, 2015
