Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has announced that the clean-sheet single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali has entered the final stages of its flight testing program. The Denali development program remains on schedule, with completion of all flight tests planned for October 2026.
Once testing is complete, Textron Aviation will submit the final certification documentation package to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the current timeline, the aircraft is expected to enter service the following year.
The company reports that, as part of the Denali flight test program, three prototype aircraft have completed 1,650 flights and accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours. This milestone allows engineers to continue validating the aircraft’s flight characteristics, systems performance, and operational capabilities.
“Our teams continue to make significant progress in developing this clean-sheet aircraft,” said Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs. “The Beechcraft Denali program is moving successfully through the certification process. We are achieving important flight test milestones and continuing to evaluate operational performance, systems, and mission readiness, further strengthening our confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities and our path toward entry into service.”
The single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali will feature the advanced Garmin Emergency Autoland system, designed to provide an additional level of safety and confidence during flight for both pilots and passengers. Recently, specialists successfully completed a broad range of critical certification tests, including evaluations of stall speeds and characteristics, handling and maneuverability, natural icing conditions and ice formation, takeoff and landing performance, and flyover noise levels. The program has also included human factors assessments, extensive avionics system testing, and the first phase of functionality and reliability evaluations.
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Source: txtav
