CESSNA AIRCRAFT AND AlliedSignal have signed an exclusive agreement covering the supply of avionics for the new-build piston singles being planned by the Wichita-based manufacturer.
Cessna will offer several different packages of equipment being supplied by AlliedSignal General Aviation Avionics. The avionics deal covers the 172 Skyhawk, the 182 Skylane and six-seat 206 Stationair model.
The company is taking orders for the single-engine aircraft, which will be built at the firm's Independence, Kansas, plant, starting late in 1996.
Cessna has begun holding production positions for all four piston-engine models. A $2,500 refundable deposit is being required to reserve a non-transferable position. Company officials report "an avalanche of serious enquiries".
New general manager of single-engine business Pat Boyarski says that the final configurations and prices of the Cessna single-engine models have not been set, but the firm says that prices will be competitive.
Cessna has also selected AlliedSignal Aerospace Equipment Systems to supply power-transfer units for the Citation X. The contract value for the unit, which combines a pump and motor to transfer power from one hydraulic system to another, is worth more than $1.4 million.
Regional carrier Brasil Central Airlines, the largest operator of Cessna Caravans outside the USA, has ordered 15 Grand Caravans.
All of the aircraft will be delivered in 1996, beginning in February. The additional aircraft bring the carrier's total fleet of the Cessna single-engine turboprop to 34.
The aircraft will be used to support new passenger routes in the south of Brazil and add services, to more than 30 cities already served.
Brasil Central, which operates a fleet of 41 turboprops, is part of Transportes Aero Regionals.
Source: Flight International
