Cessna has clinched US approval for its Grand Caravan EX and says the 19-year-old single-engined turboprop has outperformed initial targets. Powered by the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, this latest version of the high-wing Caravan series boasts a 38% improvement in the rate of climb over its predecessor - exceeding its original improvement target of 20%, says Cessna.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX

 Cessna   

"When we started with this design, we knew we could push the performance envelope on the Grand Caravan EX and get it into service for our customers in 'high and hot' missions," says Cessna business leader for the Caravan Lannie O'Bannion. "But the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine has [enabled] the aircraft to exceed its aggressive targets," he adds.

Deliveries of the 10-seat, aluminium aircraft are already under way.

Source: Flight International