Beechcraft Denali Begins FAA Certification Flight Tests

Textron Aviation has begun FAA certification flight testing with its Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop, the manufacturer recently announced.

The clean-sheet design is expected to enter service in 2025 following delays in the certification of GE Aviation’s Catalyst engine, which will power the turboprop, as well as the recent addition of Garmin Autoland as standard equipment. It is poised to take some of the market share from existing turboprop singles such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Daher-Socata TBM.

“We have three prototypes flying with more than 830 flights, and we've accumulated almost 2,000 hours on these three aircraft,” Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation’s senior v-p of global sales and flight operations, told reporters during a briefing at the company’s Wichita headquarters last week. “We continue to talk to the test pilots and they are just amazed with this aircraft and its performance.”

While Textron Aviation is not ready to release the final performance numbers for the Denali, the aircraft was designed to have a range of 1,600 nm, a maximum cruise speed of 285 knots, and a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. It is configurable for both passenger and cargo missions with a flat floor and room for up to nine passengers.

“Until we get to the type certification, we won’t share any of the performance. But we’re excited to see what we’re seeing,” O’Bannion said.