Southeast Aerospace, an avionics and instrument modifications and repair station based in Melbourne, Florida, has received FAA STC for the installation of mission equipment on Cessna 208 and 208B Caravan aircraft.

This FAA-certified modification includes three mission console designs and a side sensor mount, providing a robust and flexible platform for a variety of airborne special mission operations. The STC is valid for all Textron Aviation Cessna 208 and 208B aircraft, with or without the cargo pod installed.

SEA designed the console and mount to support law enforcement, surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. The mission console configurations, which are available in both slim and universal styles, are seat-rail mounted and allow for customised integration of monitors, communication panels and DZUS-mounted equipment.

“This STC provides law enforcement and government operators with a proven, FAA-approved mission solution that integrates seamlessly with existing Cessna 208/208B platforms,” says Nathan Hernandez, business development manager at Southeast Aerospace. “From design to certification, our focus was ensuring flexibility, durability and minimal disruption to the aircraft's original configuration.”

Key features of the installation include: modular mission consoles (LH/RH options) designed for single or dual-monitor use; universal camera turret mount supporting payloads up to 200 lbs; camera adapter plate and connector stowage assembly for secure and flexible equipment integration; removable sensor mount and a plug that can be installed to return the aircraft to a normal configuration; and minimal impact to cabin seating and existing interior layout.

The SEA 208 mission consoles have been successfully integrated into four Cessna Caravan's and one Kodiak 100 currently in operational service with law enforcement agencies. An additional installation is scheduled for a PC-12 platform later this year, further demonstrating the versatility and growing adoption of SEA's mission equipment solutions across multiple airframes.