Textron's Beechcraft Denali Service Entry Slips To 2027 Entry Into Service (EIS) for the new Beechcraft Denali has now been delayed as it has now slipped to 2027 as the company is still engaging in flight testing. The Denali is now one of a few new models in business aviation that are at the testing stage and their envisioned entry into service has been pushed back later than anticipated due to unforeseen issues or hurdles. The Dassault Falcon 10X is another one of these new models that just saw its timeline slip in a big way.
As for the Denali single engine turboprop, Textron Aviation is now targeting October, 2026 for the conclusion of flight testing of the Denali test aircraft. In fact, there are 3 flight test aircraft that have been going through their paces in the flight test regime having clocked more than 4,100 hours spanning 1,650 flight. There have also been 3 ground test articles. If flight testing concludes in October, then Textron Aviation will submit all final documentation concerning the aircraft to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification.
The timeline for the Denali has stretched significantly since the type first made its first flight towards the end of 2021. Textron Aviation senior V-P of Engineering and Programs, Chris Hearne said, “The Beechcraft Denali program is advancing through the certification process very well as we complete critical flight test milestones and continue validating performance, systems and operational capability”.
Onboard the new Denali model there is a powerful 1,300-shp turboprop engine by GE Aerospace called the Catalyst Engine. With it, the Fadec-type turboprop engine, can cruise at 285-knots with a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with up to four passengers and the pilot. In the cockpit, there is Garmin's G3000 avionics paired with the now expected emergency Autoland feature. For more information: Textron Aviation One Cessna Blvd, Wichita, KS www.txtav.com ***
