Textron Aviation has successfully completed the initial ground engine runs on its Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop prototype. According to the company, the testing verified fuel system and engine functionality along with the avionics and electrical systems interface. The ground engine runs took place at Textron’s west campus in Wichita, Kansas.
Yes, five years and counting in development, and “hopes to have it certified in 2013.”
And people wonder why press releases saying that the multitude of electric airplane and VTOL announcements stating “expects certification in the second quarter of next year” is met with skepticism?
2400 hours of testing makes the first owners of these aircraft test pilots. But they changed the make from Cessna to Beech craft so no worries, it is basically a single engine King Air and see how safe the king airs are. I am glad i will be retired when this finally comes to market in 2033.
One should be skeptical of unrealistic certification estimates. If the skepticism didn’t always come with nasty rhetoric and insults about people trying anything except a slightly better version of what the speaker’s career, investment, or image depend upon it wouldn’t be a thing.
I am familiar with the Catalyst program, and would fly behind the engine without any qualms. As to the airframe, perhaps Textron can get “compliance by comparative analysis” to the PC12.