Cessna has developed new standard interiors for its range of Caravan single-engine turboprops. The company is celebrating the Caravan’s 30th year in service in 2015. The new interiors are designed to offer improved comfort and reduced weight. Customer deliveries have already begun.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate three decades of production than to offer our Caravan operators such a significant upgrade to their favorite utility turboprop – a standard interior centered around durable, comfortable seating that results in reduced weight at no additional cost,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, turboprop aircraft and interior design.
The most noticeable upgrade is a new machined seat frame that replaces the previously welded seats. The seat was designed to offer an improved back angle, seat belt location and sightlines to cabin windows. In addition, the seats feature a new covering designed to be durable, luxurious and stain-resistant. It has an antimicrobial finish, which was considered especially useful for operators who will fly the aircraft in air ambulance and other special-mission roles.
“The new seat weighs about 5 lb less than the previous seat and adds additional under-seat stowage,” said Tannahill. “Other standard interior changes include a durable lightweight headliner and a new lower sidewall. On a typically equipped, 10-place aircraft, customers will see a nearly 60 lb interior weight reduction.”
The interiors are available in two standard color schemes – Savanna, a classic neutral khaki palette, and Canyon, which features high-contrast black and khaki. The company is also offering optional fabric lower sidewalls, optional carpet flooring and optional headrests. The headrests, which are required for club seating per FAA regulations, will enable Cessna to offer this configuration in the Grand Caravan EX for the first time.
“We have a number of operators who are thrilled to have the option of club seating, which is a huge benefit for companies offering VIP transportation and special-mission operations,” said Tannahill. “Customers can now choose their specific seating configuration based on their specific mission requirements and country of registry regulations.”
Cessna currently offers four Caravan models – the Caravan, the Grand Caravan EX, the Caravan Amphibian and the Grand Caravan EX Amphibian. The company expects to deliver its 2,500th Caravan in 2015. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions.
April 23, 2015
