aerobd.news : A year after announcing it would bring a clean-sheet design single-engine turboprop to market, Textron Aviation has unveiled the Cessna Denali. A mockup of the cabin sits alongside a mockup of GE Aviation’s new turboprop engine at Textron Aviation’s chalet at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 25-31, 2016. The program is targeted to achieve first flight in 2018 and letters of intent are being accepted.

Cessna says the Denali’s flat floor cabin will offer the versatility to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations. The aft cargo door is 53in wide and 59in high. The standard seating configuration will feature six individual reclining seats; a nine-place high-density seating option will also be available. The aircraft will have a digital pressurization system maintaining a 6,130ft cabin altitude at a service ceiling of 31,000ft. Other highlights include an optional externally serviceable belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure at the back of the cabin; interior LED lighting; a forward refreshment cabinet; and a baggage compartment that is accessible in flight.

Engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285kts and full fuel payload of 1,100 lb, the Denali will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers. “The Denali is already garnering interest and commitments because of its winning combination of features, including class-leading performance and ownership costs, as well as the widest and most comfortable cabin in its segment, all backed by an unrivaled global factory-direct service network,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Textron Aviation.