Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries has obtained an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for a dual camera port installation and its "Special Mission Pod" modification on the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan. The design allows for simultaneous modifications to provide about 80 cubic feet of additional space in the fuselage-mounted pod, which can accommodate sensors, cameras, and radars with a full 360-degree swept volume. The Avcon dual camera ports work with the lower fuselage pod and allow the installation of cabin-mounted Lidar/camera sensors.
The Special Mission Pod optimizes sensor operational capabilities for the turboprop singles, noted Butler National president and CEO Chris Reedy. "Similarly, the combination of a Special Mission Pod with the Avcon Caravan camera ports expands the functionality of the aircraft to other applications.”
List prices for the standard Avcon Special Mission Pod for the Model 208 and 208B start at $225,000. The Avcon dual camera port modification costs $248,000.
"Avcon continues to look for opportunities to grow the utility of airplanes,” said Avcon sales director Aric Peters. “While Avcon offers many special mission modifications for King Air airplanes…now Avcon has extended its available platforms to include the Model 208/208B Caravan family. The Avcon modifications are designed for generic functionality, to include installation, retraction, and extension of lights, and cameras, and are compatible with a wide range of radar bands, including X/P/L-bands.”