Beechcraft Denali makes show debut at AirVenture 2023

Despite delays in its original timeline for development, Textron’s Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop is progressing and one of the test aircraft was brought to Oshkosh, Wisconsin and it is on display at the company’s exhibit as you enter the AirVenture grounds.

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Development began in November 2021. There are now three prototypes flying. The aircraft on display is the second of the two, focused on testing the Garmin 3000 avionics system and the aircraft’s interior.

The Denali will be the first to feature the new GE Catalyst engines. The engine is on track to be certified next year, with first deliveries of the Denali now slated for 2025, according to Martin Tuck, senior technical marketing advisor for Textron.

“The PC-12 is a fine airplane,” Tuck told GlobalAir.com on Monday morning.”But we believe we are bringing a bit of synergy.”

For Cessna engineering pilot Scott McMurtie, a crewmember of the P2 Denali, it is his first test run of a single-engine turboprop. He previously tested piston aircraft for the company as well as some of its small jets. The P2 has flown around 300 hours, Tuck said.

Cessna also uses the Garmin G3000 avionics system in the Citation CJ3+ and the Citation M2 Gen2. McMurtie was visibly thrilled when the aircraft when asked to talk about the experience. He noted its smooth control and the large flaps for its class.

PREVIOUS STORY: Beechcraft Denali to get Garmin Emergency Autoland; certification now pushed to 2025

The Beechcraft Denali is nearly all electric, with the only hydraulic component being the brakes. All three of the prototypes in testing feature Garmin Emergency Autoland, which was announced in May.

The Beechcraft Denali is expected to be able to hit cruise speeds of 285 knots with a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, able to cover a range of 1,600 miles at high-speed cruise with a pilot and four passengers – able to connect Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami or London to Athens. 

The Catalyst turboprop engine is a SAF-capable, FADEC-equipped, 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP)-rated engine that offers single-lever power and control of its McCauley 105-inch composite, 5-blade, constant speed propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection. 

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