Textron Aviation, in collaboration with Aeromot Aeronaves and Motores, has forged a cooperation agreement to develop an in-air openable jump/cargo drop door for Cessna Caravan aircraft at Aeromot's facility in Brazil. Aeromot is an aeronautical technology company specialising in the sale of aircraft, parts and components, aeronautical maintenance and solutions for special missions.

Textron will provide technical and engineering data, enabling Aeromot to develop a Brazilian STC for the in-air openable jump/cargo drop door installation for Caravans. The STC will be issued by the Brazilian civil aviation authority, ANAC.

The STC is expected to be available to the worldwide fleet of Cessna Caravan aircraft. The in-air openable jump/cargo drop door will be available as an optional Textron Aviation factory installation for new production aircraft once certified.

“Brazil is home to over 200 Cessna Caravans, from general aviation owners and commercial operators to the Brazilian Air Force and several state police organisations,” says Bob Gibbs, vice president, special missions sales, Textron Aviation. “This opportunity to work with the Aeromot engineering team to develop this option will benefit Cessna Caravan customers not only in Brazil but around the world.”

The design and manufacture of this Caravan option at Aeromot will support employment opportunities in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.