Textron Aviation has announced that its in-development Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop will come with Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system as a standard feature. According to the company, the Collier-winning Autoland system, which is designed to land the aircraft autonomously if the pilot is incapacitated, is being integrated into the Denali’s development and flight test program and will be available when the model enters service. Textron reports that its three Denali flight test articles have logged more than 1,300 flight hours to date.
“We continue to experience great progress with the Denali development program, and we believe the aircraft will be a game changer in the single-engine, high-performance turboprop segment,” said Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering. “Our customers are excited for the Emergency Autoland feature on the Denali and, while our goal is to achieve type certification as quickly as possible, it is of greatest importance to assure that every detail is completed with the highest quality.”
Launched in 2016 under the Cessna brand, the Beechcraft Denali will offer a cruise speed of 285 knots, 1,600-NM range and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. It is powered by the GE Catalyst engine, which is also still in development, and comes equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. Certification of the engine is currently expected in 2024 with type certification of the aircraft to follow in 2025.
If the single pilot is incapacitated who pushes the big red DFW button? Honest question. Do you really brief the passengers “If I croak, push this button”?
Yes.
It might be a bit of shocker at first but we brief them about the emergency exit, the fire extinguisher, life vests and the first aid kit etc. so why not the Big Red button?
Point taken.
Just like passengers get briefed on BRS in a Cirrus.
FWIW I have a patient with a Vison Jet. IIRC he said the autoland was a $100,000 option and required periodic inspection that was also expensive.
Wonderful and amazing technology.