Textron Aviation says its clean-sheet, single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop has entered the final phases of flight testing, with the programme remaining on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October 2026.

Following completion of testing, the company will submit final flight test documentation to the FAA for certification. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027.

The three flight test aircraft have accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights, supporting validation of aircraft performance, systems and operational capability. Recent certification work has included stall speeds and characteristics, control and manoeuvring characteristics, natural icing and ice shape evaluations, field performance, flyover noise, human factors assessments, avionics testing and phase one of function and reliability testing.

Chris Hearne, senior vice president, engineering and programmes, says: “Our teams continue to deliver meaningful progress on this clean-sheet aircraft. The Beechcraft Denali programme is advancing through the certification process very well as we complete critical flight test milestones and continue validating performance, systems and operational capability, reinforcing our confidence in the aircraft's performance and our path to entry into service.”

The Denali will feature Garmin Emergency Autoland as standard and is the first aircraft powered by GE Aerospace's Catalyst engine. Textron says the aircraft is designed for cruise speeds of 285kt and a range of 1,600nm with one pilot and four passengers.