CESSNA AIRCRAFT has revealed new details of its plan to re-enter the single-engine piston aircraft market. Cessna chairman Russ Meyer says that his firm will build 2,000 model 172s, 182s and 206s in 1998 - the first full year of production.
The initial 25-30 aircraft, to be used for flight demonstration, will be fabricated at Cessna's Wichita site. Construction of a new aircraft-manufacturing plant at Independence, Kansas; about 150 miles from Wichita, is to be completed in early 1996. The first aircraft will be rolled off the new production line in September 1996.
Cessna's strategy is to build up to 2,000 model 172/182/206s annually. Meyer says that the split in 1998 will be between 900 and 1,100 172 Skyhawks, 400-600 182s and 400-500 206s.
The Skyhawk will be the first aircraft built at Independence, with the 182 following in 1997. Full-rate production of the Model 206 will begin in 1998. The new production will generate about $300 million in yearly sales and create as many as 1,800 new jobs in Wichita and Independence.
Cessna will soon begin taking aircraft orders, but Meyer believes that his market projections for new single-engine piston aircraft are conservative. "We are building up to a rate we think is sustainable," he says.
The aircraft will be significantly improved. Most enhancements have been selected, and will be unveiled in the next three months, as will the price lists. Cessna has signed vendors, including engine manufacturers, but their identities remain secret for now.
Meyer has previously said that the aircraft will incorporate new avionics, flight-control systems, engines and interiors, including new seats. They will continue to be aluminium aircraft. Heavy emphasis is being placed on safety and system redundancy.
Source: Flight International
