Textron Aviation Unveils New Cessna Caravan Cockpit Design, Promising Enhanced Pilot Flight Experience

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Textron Aviation introduces a revamped Cessna Caravan cockpit with modern features, enhancing pilot comfort and flight experience with advanced design elements.

Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has unveiled major upgrades for its iconic Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft. These improvements include a brighter, updated flight deck with new backlit panels and additional features aimed at enhancing the pilot’s experience. These updates stem from ongoing dialogues with customers. Set to be available in 2025, these enhancements will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX models.

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” said Christopher Crow, vice president, Piston and Utility Sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continues to build on the Caravan’s nearly 40-year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the standout updates for both aircraft is the introduction of brand-new black cockpit panels, giving them a more modern look. Additionally, the Caravan will feature Electroluminescent Lighting panels, aligning with the existing Grand Caravan EX models. These panels offer enhanced backlighting, ensuring better visibility in low-light conditions.

Enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX

• Wider Cockpit Boarding Ladder: Provides easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft.
• Improved Air Vents: Four circular, adjustable air nozzles replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents for better airflow control.
• USB-C Charging Ports: Two USB-C ports replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit, and two additional USB-C ports are available on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot.
• Standard Power Headset Jacks: LEMO plugs are now standard alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering more flexibility for powering active noise-canceling headsets.
• Headset Hooks: Conveniently located underneath the cockpit glareshield for easy headset storage.

About the Cessna Caravan Family of Aircraft

The Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX are versatile, highly practical aircraft utilized for a wide range of global missions. For nearly four decades, the Caravan family has delivered reliable service worldwide.

• Extensive Delivery and Certification: Over 3,000 aircraft delivered, certified in 100 countries, with nearly 24 million flight hours accumulated since the introduction of the Caravan.
• Multifunctional Use: Caravans are employed in various roles including flight training, recreational flying, commuter airlines, VIP transport, cargo transport, and humanitarian missions.
• Grand Caravan EX Performance: Renowned for its reliability and efficiency, the Grand Caravan EX is favored by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and special mission operators globally. It boasts an impressive 867 horsepower and a climb rate of 1,275 feet per minute.