Fabrication has begun on the first test articles in Textron Aviation’s Cessna Denali single-engine turboprop program. Since the clean-sheet Denali was unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin in 2016, program engineers have started fabrication of the first static and fatigue test articles and initiated testing with the fuel system Iron Bird test article.
Textron Aviation has begun fabrication of Denali door test articles, including the 53in-wide by 59in-tall aft cargo door. Denali engineers have also started tests on the complete fuel system Iron Bird mock-up. Additionally, testing is well underway on McCauley’s 105in, five-blade composite propeller. Program engineers have successfully completed propeller test runs at max RPM, vibration testing, and bird strike testing.
The Denali will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers. The flat-floor cabin is designed to be the largest in its segment and offer the versatility to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations.
The cabin will feature an executive seating configuration of six individual reclining seats, club-configuration tables and refreshment unit, or a commuter style seating layout with nine forward-facing seats. The aircraft will have a digital pressurization system maintaining a 6,130ft cabin altitude at a service ceiling of 31,000ft.
It will also offer an optional, externally serviceable, belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure, at the back of the cabin. Other highlights include interior LED lighting, a forward refreshment cabinet and a baggage compartment that is accessible in flight.
May 25, 2017
