Daher has secured European validation for its Kodiak 900, the larger and speedier variant of its Kodiak 100 turboprop single utility aircraft, the manufacturer announced today at Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval follows U.S. certification last year, which was in hand when Daher announced the next member of the Kodiak family during AirVenture in July. First European delivery is scheduled for the third quarter.
The 900 has a 3.9-foot longer fuselage, providing more passenger room and cargo space over the Model 100, as well as a boost in speed to 210 ktas and increased useful load that provides a 1,129-nm range. It also incorporates several other updates such as redesigned ducts, inlets, and air intakes to reduce drag and an aerodynamically refined cargo pod. Further, specific fuel consumption marks a 5 percent improvement from the Kodiak 100.
Along with performance enhancements, the Kodiak sports a number of interior enhancements from the option of a fifth set of passenger windows to amenities such as USB-A and -C ports, cupholders, and mobile telephone holders at every seat.
“With its higher cruise speed, excellent operating efficiency, enhanced climb performance, and larger cabin, our Kodiak 900 meets the requirements of many customers who seek a faster aircraft and increased cargo capacity,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior v-p of Daher’s aircraft division. He added that the aircraft is attracting significant interest from Europe for missions ranging from air ambulance and firefighting support to skydiving and surveillance.
Daher’s authorized distributor network in Europe has received numerous inquiries, he further said. Europe is an area where Daher is targeting growth in market share with only 5 percent of the Kodiak fleet currently based there.