Story ID: 
Textron Aviation Eyes Large Turboprop Single
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: While not ready to reveal development details, Textron Aviation is exploring a concept for a 1,500-nm-range large turboprop single.
Word Count: 186
Textron Aviation is firming up its design concepts for a new turboprop single that will sport a cabin "larger than is available today in this class," said company senior v-p for engineering Michael Thacker. In recent years both Cessna and Beechcraft separately have studied concepts for a new turboprop single, and they combined those efforts after merging into Textron Aviation. Speaking to AIN at EAA AirVenture this week in Oshkosh, Wis., Thacker said the aircraft will be neither a King Air nor a Caravan, but a brand-new aircraft.

While many would-be competitors are looking at smaller turboprop-single concepts, the company’s customer base indicated a desire for more room, said Thacker, adding that the company’s intent would be to bring to market a product that “is larger than anything in that space.” Textron Aviation also has determined that such an aircraft should have 1,500 nm range and cruise at no less than 280 knots.

While the design is starting to gel, Textron Aviation is not yet ready to discuss development details. Thacker expects those will likely come next year at AirVenture.