Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali, a single-engine turboprop set for debut in 2025 will feature Garmin’s groundbreaking Autoland emergency protocol as a standard offering. The announcement, made during Textron Aviation’s recent media event, highlights the integration of Autoland, the world’s first certified system of its kind, providing autonomous control during emergencies, ensuring a safe landing without pilot intervention. The decision to include Autoland in the Denali stems from customer feedback, emphasizing Textron Aviation’s commitment to enhancing safety and meeting user expectations.

Revolutionizing Flight Safety: The Integration of Autoland in Beechcraft Denali’s Advanced Avionics

The Denali’s powerplant development, integrating Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), enables the implementation of autothrottle functionality from the aircraft’s inception. This integration is crucial for Garmin’s Autoland, which relies on autothrottle for executing emergency descent, approach, and landing procedures. The extensive flight testing conducted, exceeding 1,300 hours in various conditions, demonstrates the robust performance of the avionics, autopilot, autothrottle, environmental control system, and the engine. Test pilot Dustin Smisor emphasized the remarkable maturity of Autoland, citing successful testing in challenging scenarios, including mountainous terrain.

Powering Progress: In-Depth Insights into the GE Catalyst Engine Propelling the Beechcraft Denali

GE Aerospace’s comprehensive test program for the Denali’s Catalyst engine, featuring a 16 to 1 pressure ratio and variable geometry compressor, is progressing well. With 5,400 hours of testing, the engine exhibits a 20 percent improvement in fuel burn and a 10 percent increase in cruise power. Certification for the Catalyst engine is anticipated in late 2024, paving the way for the Denali’s debut in 2025. The program has also logged 540 flights across three test aircraft, showcasing the aircraft’s exceptional takeoff and landing performance. Chris Lorence, chief engineer on the program, highlighted the rigorous testing approach, emphasizing the jet-like experience Denali offers with its simplicity, automation, and integrated features.

Join us on this exciting journey as the Beechcraft Denali, equipped with Autoland and cutting-edge technology, takes flight in 2025, providing aviators with a new level of safety, performance, and a truly remarkable flying experience.