More From Cessna: Grand Caravan Upgrade, M2 Update

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Cessna arrived at EAA AirVenture this week with a long list of news, including a major addition to its popular Caravan line, and a first look at the M2, the new jet that aims to be a step up for Mustang owners. The Grand Caravan EX is powered by the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, providing a power boost of about 25 percent, Cessna said. That extra power means a 350-foot reduction in takeoff roll, a 20-percent improvement in the rate of climb, and 10 to 12 knots of additional cruise speed. “We listened carefully to our customers when designing the EX, and we think they will be pleased with the outcome,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Cessna business leader for the Caravan. The M2 is 200 hours into its flight-test program, Cessna said, and on schedule for first deliveries next year.

The eight-seat M2 features a Garmin G3000 avionics suite and a pair of Williams International FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan engines. It has an all-new cabin design, flies at up to 400 knots, and can cover 1,300 nautical miles. It sells for $4.2 million. The jet program was announced last October, and the jet flew for the first time in March. AVweb saw the mock-up when it was introduced at NBAA; click here for the video.

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