Textron Aviation has made avionics enhancements to its well-known famed Cessna Caravan family of turboprops. Starting from 2024, one of the most popular and iconic utility turboprop aircraft globally will come with the largest avionics suite by Garmin.
This upgrade applies to the upcoming Cessna Caravan and the Cessna Grand Caravan EX variants, and will improve user experience and performance for pilots. The Cessna Caravan and the Cessna Grand Caravan EX are an iconic build, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation.
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Flight Operations said: “We strive to provide excellent flying experiences for pilots, and this update for the Caravan demonstrates our commitment to incorporating the latest technology and innovation based on customer feedback. We’re invested in the future of this legendary turboprop and the future of flight.”
What’s in store?
The Caravans will now be equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. Operators utilizing the Caravans will have a first-hand experience with the new advanced features and technology developed by Garmin.
These notable add-ins will now become standard, including the GDL 60 datalink, the GTX 345DR diversity transponder, and the GI 275 electronic standby.
The GDP 60 offers high-bandwidth data exchange and connectivity options, which includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE networks. This offers more options for pilots, making their operation of newer Caravans seamless.
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This could be explained by the GDL 60 providing cockpit and personal electronic device connectivity, and external Wi-Fi and LTE networks for external connectivity options while the aircraft is on the ground.
Moreover, the GDP 60 also features the option to complete automatic wireless database downloads over network connections, making maintenance regimes easier.
The GTX 345DR will offer ADS-B Out/In standard, and this will include diversity antenna coverage. The ADS-B options have also now been expanded. Its applications will now be expanded with the GTX 345DR to include CAVS (CDTI-Assisted Visual Separation) and ROA (Runway Occupancy Awareness).
The GI275 electronic standby also gives out a modern, sleek glass, touchscreen display, and cutting-edge technology.
Better awareness
Operators of the Caravans will now have a piece of mind when operating the new batches of aircraft. The Caravans will now have the optional features available to include the Garmin GWX 8000 weather radar, which allows the Automade and Lightning and Hail prediction to become active when needed.
The newer batches will also have the optional Taxiway Routing which aids the pilot’s visuals in guiding the Caravan when moving through the airport environment.
Before the new Garmin avionics options were made available, the existing optional features are now being refreshed for Caravan operators as well. The new Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) refresh includes enhanced terrain, airport signs, and runway depictions.
The refresh makes life piloting the Caravan a lot easier, including introducing multiple viewpoints for the first time, which integrates with the new Taxiway Routing to show ground routing advice.
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