WICHITA, Kan. (June 6, 2017) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have certified the Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A with next-generation Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, paving way for deliveries to customers in Europe and the U.S. The company also announced the aircraft, equipped with the proven Continental CD-155 engine, has exceeded initial performance targets including improved maximum range.
The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A is a factory option that includes an integrated powerplant, propeller and cockpit upgrade package that boosts the standard Skyhawk’s performance.
“The Skyhawk platform represents the most successful single-engine aircraft of all time, and we’re excited to further enhance its capabilities with Jet-A powerplant technology,” said Doug May, vice president, Piston Aircraft. “The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A allows operators to meet changing environmental regulations around the world, providing solutions to increase the global reach of this already proven platform.”
Further confirming the aircraft’s leadership, the Turbo Skyhawk JT-A has achieved an improved range of 963 nautical miles, an increase of 78 nautical miles over original estimates. The aircraft has also reached an improved takeoff distance of 1,320 feet and a max climb rate of 767 feet per minute.
The advanced 155 horsepower turbodiesel Continental CD-155 features direct fuel injection and a dual channel FADEC driven by a single power lever. The engine burns globally available Jet-A fuel and improves the standard Skyhawk’s performance. At 963 nautical miles, maximum range increases by 50 percent over the standard Skyhawk, and maximum speed is increased to 134 knots. The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A also offers improved takeoff performance, especially in high and hot conditions.
The Skyhawk platform is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the leading Garmin G1000 NXi avionics system with wireless connectivity, a standard Angle-of-Attack display system, and proven dependability. The aircraft’s high-wing design enables superior flying characteristics ideally suited for pilot training. More Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world than any other type of aircraft, with more than 44,000 put into service.
About Africair
Africair is the largest Cessna Aircraft Company distributor in the world. As Cessna’s exclusive Authorized Sales Representative for 48 countries in and around Africa, we distribute the entire Cessna product line, from the Cessna single engine piston Skyhawk to the fastest general aviation aircraft in the world, the Citation X+. Cessna has manufactured more general aviation aircraft than any other company, and is recognized as the industry leader in safety, reliability, performance and innovation. In addition to selling new and used Cessna aircraft, we provide spare parts, product support, warranty administration, maintenance and technical support, and training coordination for Cessna aircraft owners and operators.
About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. For more than 90 years, the Textron Aviation brands have represented unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, offering an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable global service network. For more information, visit txtav.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
