Press Release
Issued by Nextant Aerospace.
February 6, 2018
Nextant Aerospace, builder of the 400XTi and newly announced Challenger 604XT, today announced that it has received the final piece of FAA certification that combines the new single-lever power control system with the previously certified engine and avionics combination on the G90XT turboprop aircraft.
“From the launch of this program, our goal was to bring a level of technology to the King Air platform that has been missing for decades,” stated Nextant executive, Jay Heublein. “While the King Air is recognized as the most successful platform in the history of business aviation, the fleet has not benefited from the significant advances in technology that its counterpart in the jet market has. This has been primarily driven by a lack of competition in the space but fortunately for King Air operators, they now have a new choice.”
The G90XT features the GE H75 engine along with a fully integrated Garmin G1000 flight deck. In addition to the new power control system, other key technology “firsts” for this airframe include: a cockpit that integrates both engine and fuel monitoring on a digital basis into the MFD, an all new digital pressurization system, new environmental cooling system that triples the previous cooling capacity of the plane, and an all new interior that features a new composite shell and incorporates new seats along with an improved cabin layout. In addition to the new technology, the aircraft demonstrates a 20-knot speed advantage at altitude when compared to current production, competitive aircraft.
“All along our goal was to introduce technology that would significantly reduce pilot workload in the cockpit and improve the ability for pilots to safely operate the aircraft,” stated Nathan Marker, vice president for flight operations. “I can say with complete certainty that I have never operated a twin-engine turboprop that was easier to fly and that better positions pilots to effectively manage potential emergency situations.”
With FAA certification now complete, Nextant expects that EASA validation will occur within 90 to 120 days. Nextant today also announced that it will begin a national demonstration tour featuring the aircraft. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Nextant for a summary of regional showings.
