HONEYWELL APPROVAL
The European Aviation Safety Agency has certificated Honeywell's TPE331-12JR turboprop engine for the Cessna Caravan. The powerplant offers up to 40% more power than the production engine and can save up to $40 an hour in operating costs due to longer maintenance intervals, fewer lifecycle-limited parts and better fuel efficiency when compared with the standard OEM engine.
KODIAK DELIVERY
Quest Aircraft has delivered a Kodiak single-engined turboprop to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The float-equipped aircraft will be used for aerial surveillance, border monitoring, general police work and rescue support. Quest says this variant of the Pratt & Whitney PT6-powered Kodiak is equipped with a roll-up door as well as the standard cargo door, allowing supplies and equipment to be dropped in routine and emergency operations.
JAPAN'S FINAL DASH
Field Aviation has delivered the eighth and final modified Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 to the Japan coastguard. The twin-engined turboprops feature a missionised interior, large conformal observation windows, a Field-developed and certificated air-drop capability through the in-flight operable rear cargo door, a vertical drop hatch and dual launcher tubes. The modified aircraft also have surveillance sensors, including a 360° surface search radar, a stabilised FLIR electro-optical multi-spectral imaging payload, as well as a new suite of navigation communications systems.
TUNISIAN F406
The first Reims F406 built under the ownership of Geci Aviation has been delivered to the Tunisian office of tourism. The twin-engined turboprop - serial number 97 - will be used for geographical mapping operations, says Geci, which acquired the Prunay, France-based operator last year.
RECORD BREAKER
Aero Friedrichshafen - the largest general aviation show outside the USA - smashed its exhibitor record this year, with 630 companies showcasing their products and services. The total is almost 3% higher than the previous show in 2010 and 20% greater than in 2009. The nineteenth show - held from 13-16 April on the German shore of Lake Constance - also attracted 33,400 trade visitors, says the organiser.
Source: Flight International
