Beechcraft Denali executive single-engine turboprop will no longer enter service in the second half of 2024. Textron Aviation confirmed on May 8 that the aircraft’s certification has been slipped to 2025.
The reason is the same that caused the one-year delay announced about six months ago: the GE Catalyst engine.
More efficient and modern, the Catalyst engine is well behind schedule and the Denali is the first aircraft to be equipped with it.
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Currently, flight tests are performed on three Denali prototypes, which have already accumulated more than 1,300 flight hours.
Textron announced that it will equip the single engine with the Garmin Emergency Autoland system, which will be standard on the aircraft and allows automatic landing in case of pilot incapacitation.
“The Autoland system is an excellent addition to the Beechcraft Denali and the G3000 avionics suite, and we’ve included it in the program as a direct response to continued conversations with our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Flight Operations.
Pilatus PC-12 competitor
The Denali will be a direct competitor to the successful Pilatus PC-12 and will perform very promisingly.
The Catalyst engine, equipped with the FADEC system, has 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP)-rated and can use sustainable aviation fuel.
The aircraft is also equipped with McCauley’s new 105-inch diameter composite, 5-blade, constant speed propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection.
The cockpit features the Garmin G3000 avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers.
According to Textron, the turboprop will be capable of reaching cruise speeds of 285 knots (528 km/h) with a range of 1,600 nautical miles (2,963 km) with one pilot and four passengers.
The Denali will be capable to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami or London to Athens.
