Hartford, CT - October 4, 2007 - Following the introduction of the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics package and TKS ice protection into all Caravan models, Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company announced today at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Expo that they received 59 Caravan orders at last week's National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meeting and Convention.
Incorporation of the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics package will begin in the first half of 2008 on all Caravan models: the Cessna 208, the Grand Caravan (208B) and the Super CargoMaster.
The Garmin G1000 system designed for the Caravan includes three 10” displays – two primary flight displays (PFD) and one multi function display (MFD). One of the PFDs can serve as a back up, increasing dispatch ability. The Caravan G1000 system incorporates the GFC700 – an integrated, dual-channel digital autopilot. Other features include a flight director, go-around mode and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) which can provide precision guidance to airports where there are currently no precision approaches. It also includes SafeTaxiTM – a graphical representation of the aircraft on the ground in the airport environment in relation to labeled taxiways, runways and buildings during taxi. Radar, TAWS-B, XM radio and XM weather are optional features.
Cessna will offer optional TKS ice protection from Aerospace Systems & Technology, Inc. on cargo pod-equipped Caravans scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2008. The TKS ice protection system releases glycol based fluid through laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of the wings, and horizontal and vertical stabilizers to reduce ice accumulation. A slinger ring on the propeller also emits fluid to minimize ice accumulation on the prop, windshield, cargo pod and landing gear. Cessna's Caravan orders this year have already reached more than 200% of the goal for 2007, leading to increases in production rates beginning in 2008 that will more than double recent volumes.
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2006, Cessna delivered 1,239 aircraft, including 307 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $4.2 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $11 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,000 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.