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Textron Aviation has finally revealed further program details around the development of its Cessna single engine turboprop aircraft. 

They say it will be designed to have cruise speeds of up to 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. The planned range is 1,600 nautical miles at high speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers on board. Textron claims the aircraft will incorporate technology specifically designed to reduce pilot workload. The G3000 avionics suite planned for the aircraft includes weather radar, advanced Terrain Awareness Warning Systems and ADS-B capabilities. The Turbine Venom will be marketed as a kit built airplane. It is the next-generation version of the Turbine Legend, which began production in 1998. Produced entirely of carbon fiber and graphite, it’s projected to have a 350 knots cruise speed and a climb rate exceeding 6000 feet per minute. The aircraft will come standard with a full Garmin suite of Avionics and a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, with a projected range of 1,100 nautical mile range. Sonex Aircraft has been hosting the FAA's National Kit Evaluation Team as they audit the new Sonex and Waiex B-Model kits, and the new Xenos Motorglider Quick Build Kits. The evaluation is used to establish a kit's compliance with Experimental Amateur Built aircraft ‘major portion,’ also known as the ‘51 percent’ rule. The FAA Amateur-Built Fabrication and Assembly Checklists for the new Sonex Aircraft kit offerings were completed last week, and once approved by the FAA, will be available for download from the FAA database. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!