European airworthiness validation has been announced for Daher's Kodiak 900, the larger and faster version of its robust and rugged Kodiak 100 turboprop-powered aircraft.

The Kodiak 900's type certificate from EASA enables Kodiak 900 deliveries to begin in the European Union, with the first handover to a European operator scheduled for this autumn. US certification for the Kodiak 900 was granted by the FAA in 2022.

“With its higher cruise speed, excellent operating efficiency, enhanced climb performance and larger cabin, our Kodiak 900 meets the requirements of many customers who seek a faster aircraft and increased cargo capacity,” explains Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher's aircraft division.

Chabbert said there is significant European interest in this new aircraft version for missions that range from air ambulance and firefighting support to skydiving and surveillance. Numerous inquiries already have been received by Daher's authorised distributor network in Europe, including Rheinland Air Service, which covers Austria and Germany.

Inheriting the Kodiak 100's remarkable qualities as a backcountry STOL (short takeoff and landing) and multi-role airplane, the Kodiak 900 marks a further step with its fuselage length extension of 1.19 m (3.9 ft) to provide more passenger room and cargo space, a cruise speed increase to 210 kts and a greater useful load while offering a range of 1,129 nm.

Daher's Kodiak engineering department introduced numerous updates to reduce the Kodiak 900's aerodynamic drag: ducts, inlets and air intakes have been redesigned, remodelled and reengineered for enhanced airflow circulation. The cargo pod, which is an option on the Kodiak 100, has been aerodynamically refined and is now fully integrated as standard equipment on the Kodiak 900.

As a result of these enhancements, the Kodiak 900's operating economics have been improved, with a five per cent reduction in specific fuel consumption from the Kodiak 100, which is in double digits when compared to direct competitors. This lowers the cost-per-seat-mile and the direct operating costs for commercial operators.

A new constant speed, full-feathering, hydraulically-actuated five-blade composite propeller from Hartzell is integrated on the Kodiak 900's Pratt & Whitney Canada 900-shaft horsepower PT6A-140A turboprop engine. The propeller's design and its low setting of 1,900 rpm contribute to the low noise level of 79.5 dB(A), allowing the aircraft to operate in the most strictly regulated noise-sensitive areas.

The Kodiak 900's cabin benefits from Daher's expertise in passenger comfort. In the aircraft's Summit+ interior definition, the seats come in durable and weather-resistant leather, and carpeting is installed throughout. The sidewalls, headliner and rear bulkhead utilise the popular composite material from the Kodiak 100. Industry-leading sound damping creates one of the quietest cabin experiences for an aircraft in its class.

With the addition of a fifth set of passenger windows, the Kodiak 900's cabin is bright and has a feeling of spaciousness, even with the maximum configuration of 10 seats. Individual amenity panels that include USB-A and USB-C ports, cupholders and mobile telephone holders are now located at every seat.