Mon, May 22, 2017
First Test Articles Come To Life
First unveiled at Oshkosh last year, the Cessna Denali is beginning to come to life in Wichita. Textron says program engineers have started fabrication of the first static and fatigue test articles and initiated testing with the fuel system iron bird test article.
The clean-sheet Denali will incorporate the latest technology and is being designed to outperform its competition in capability, pilot interface, cabin experience and ownership costs. Powered by GE’s advanced turboprop engine, the Denali will offer single-lever power and propeller control to ease pilot workload, a feature currently not offered in this class of aircraft
“This is an exciting time in the Denali program as this aircraft is now coming to life through the production of the first test articles,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Engineering. “The level of attention that goes into this phase of development results in a highly mature product in later stages of the development program, ultimately allowing us to deliver customers a best-in-class aircraft.”
Textron Aviation has begun fabrication of Denali door test articles, including the 53-inch wide by 59-inch tall aft cargo door. The large aft cargo door will add enhanced capability to the Denali, particularly for special mission operators.
Denali engineers have also started tests on the complete fuel system iron bird mock-up, which has already yielded valuable feedback for the development team, allowing them to fine-tune the system early in the process. Additionally, testing is well underway on McCauley’s 105-inch, five-blade composite propeller. Program engineers have successfully completed propeller test runs at max RPM, vibration testing and bird strike testing.
(Images provided with Textron news release)
More News
Airbus Racer Demonstrator Makes Inaugural Flight Airbus Helicopters' ambitious Racer demonstrator has achieved its inaugural flight as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, a corners>[...]
A little Bit Quieter, Said Testers, But in the End it's Still a DA40 Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of >[...]
Line Up And Wait (LUAW) Used by ATC to inform a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway to line up and wait. It is not authorization for takeoff. It is used when takeoff clearance >[...]
Contributing To The Accident Was The Pilot’s Use Of Methamphetamine... Analysis: The pilot departed on a local flight to perform low-altitude maneuvers in a nearby desert val>[...]
From 2015 (YouTube Version): Overcoming Obstacles To Achieve Their Dreams… At EAA AirVenture 2015, FedEx arrived with one of their Airbus freight-hauling aircraft and placed>[...]