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Cessna Launches More Powerful Grand Caravan

New Caravan powerful enough for amphibs.

Cessna on Monday unveiled a new, more powerful version of its Cessna Grand Caravan, one that provides a 25 percent horsepower boost over its predecessor along with some stellar performance specs to boot.

Tagged as the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, the new aircraft reduces takeoff roll by 350 feet, while upping climb rate by 20 percent and average cruise speed by to 10 to 12 knots.

According to Cessna, the aircraft gets its muscle from the new 867 hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, a powerhouse that will enable the aircraft to operate at higher elevations and hotter temperatures, further spreading the Caravan’s already global appeal.

The new aircraft can also be outfitted with floats from Wipaire, a first for the Grand Caravan since its introduction to the market in 1994. Other pluses offered by the EX are LED lights with a longer lifetime and the elimination of the requirement for the fuel additive Prist.

As far as avionics are concerned, the Grand Caravan EX will retain the Garmin G1000 suite used in its forerunner.

Cessna says the new aircraft is currently on schedule to enter into service in the fourth quarter of this year.

View our Cessna Grand Caravan EX photo gallery.

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