Textron Adding Autoland Capability to Delayed Denali

Textron Aviation has announced it will be adding Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system to its Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop aircraft.

The Autoland feature will be implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight testing program and will be available as a standard feature when the Denali enters into service.

Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system allows an aircraft to land automatically in the event of pilot incapacitation. The system can be activated by pressing a dedicated button in the cockpit. Once activated, the system takes control of the aircraft, notifies air traffic control (ATC) of an emergency, and calculates the flight path to the most suitable airport and runway based on distance, terrain, and weather. After initiating an approach, the aircraft will land automatically before coming to a stop and shutting the engine down.

“The Autoland system is an excellent addition to the Beechcraft Denali and the G3000 avionics suite, and we’ve included it in the program as a direct response to continued conversations with our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Senior VP, Sales & Flight Operations, Textron Aviation. “The feature makes the Denali even more desirable to a wider audience as it adds yet another element of assurance and peace of mind for pilots and passengers.”

The Denali is a new aircraft with a clean-sheet design and will be a direct competitor to the Pilatus PC-12. It is expected to gain certification in 2025, which follows the certification timeline of General Electric’s new Catalyst engine, which will power the Denali. The aircraft was previously expected to be certificated in the second half of 2024.

The aircraft will have the ability to carry up to 11 occupants, cruise at a speed of 285 kts, and will have a maximum range of 1,600 nautical miles (assuming four passengers are on board) – allowing passengers to travel non-stop between Los Angeles and Chicago, or London to Athens.

Interior-wise, the Denali will feature a flat-floor cabin, allowing for the cabin to be easily converted between passenger and cargo configurations. An option to equip an externally serviceable lavatory in the rear of the cabin is also available.

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