Textron Aviation has delivered a special-mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract was executed by the US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.
“The Grand Caravan EX delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be used as a multi-mission platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), search and rescue (SAR), air mobility, light air drop and other operations as necessary,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, special mission sales. “This is the first Caravan EX in the service of the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security.”
This Grand Caravan EX is fitted with an electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensor, operator mission console, tactical radios and data link. Textron Aviation will provide pilot, mission operator and maintenance training, as well as an in-country field service representative.
The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfil roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions.
