THE US DRUG Enforcement Agency (DEA) is seeking up to 25 new piston singles to replace its fleet of light aircraft used for airborne surveillance and personnel transport. The DEA is soliciting information on the availability of new six-seat high-wing aircraft.
From the DEA's "sources-sought" announcement, it appears difficult to meet its requirements with anything other than Cessna's Model 206 Stationair. The DEA calls for an in-production, US-built, all-metal aircraft with fixed tricycle landing-gear and a 225kW (300hp) fuel-injected engine.
The DEA's requirement for aircraft with no more than 20h on the clock seems to rule out used 206s. Cessna is to restart deliveries of the Stationair this year, from its new Independence, Kansas, single-engine plant.
Source: Flight International
