Beechcraft Denali Moves Closer to First Flight

Textron Aviation today announced it successfully completed initial ground engine runs on the prototype Beechcraft Denali singleengine turboprop powered by GE Aviation’s new advanced Catalyst engine. The testing moves the clean-sheet design aircraft closer to its milestone first flight, which is anticipated by the end of the year.

GE Aviation’s Catalyst engine has completed over 2,450 hours of testing and is prepping for a first flight on its Beechcraft King Air flying test bed. The Catalyst engine is a more environmentally friendly engine that burns less fuel than older turboprop technologies. The Beechcraft Denali development program has achieved several important milestones in recent months. Earlier this summer, GE Aviation Catalyst engine was installed on the Beechcraft Denali prototype airframe and the aircraft was powered on for the first time. Two other Denali flight test articles are also in development. The company anticipates certification for the Denali in 2023.