Textron’s Beechcraft Denali in final phases of flight testing
The programme includes three test platforms that have accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights.
Textron’s clean-sheet single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop is progressing through the final phases of flight testing, the company reports.
The programme remains on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October 2026. Following completion of the testing, Textron will submit final flight test documentation to the FAA for certification.
“Our teams continue to deliver meaningful progress on this clean-sheet aircraft,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The Beechcraft Denali programme is advancing through the certification process very well as we complete critical flight test milestones and continue validating performance, systems and operational capability, reinforcing our confidence in the aircraft’s performance and our path to entry into service.”
With more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights, the Denali flight test programme’s three test articles are supporting ongoing validation of aircraft performance, systems and operational capabilities.
The Denali will feature Garmin Emergency Autoland, an autonomous safety system designed to land an aircraft safely if the pilot becomes incapacitated or unable to fly. Power comes from the GE Aerospace Catalyst powerplant which has a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and propeller control, providing jet-like power control.
The aircraft programme has recently seen successful completion of a wide range of critical certification tests, including:
- Stall speeds and characteristics
- Control and manoeuvring characteristics
- Natural icing and ice shape evaluations
- Field performance
- Flyover noise
- Human Factors assessments
- Various avionics system tests
- Phase 1 of function and reliability testing
The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2027.