Cessna will unveil a Caravan EX Special Mission demonstrator at the Paris Air Show this week, in order for customers to experience the capabilities of the aircraft first-hand.
The aircraft features a variety of special mission applications, such as a surveillance console, medical stretcher and a variety of cabin and seating configurations, including light-weight seats in a half club configuration and a stowable utility seat.
“With a high percentage of our Caravan sales going into special mission roles around the world, this platform has proven to be a truly versatile multi-tasker,” said Dan Keady, vice president, Special Missions. “Having a fully equipped special missions Grand Caravan EX demonstrator in the market allows our customers to experience firsthand the extensive range of capabilities available on this platform.”
The Grand Caravan EX has a spacious cabin, a high useful load of more than 1,588 kg, large cargo door and the ability to operate from short, unimproved surfaces.
Caravans are already being used in special mission operations, including aerial survey, air ambulance, paratrooper, amphibious operations, surveillance, training and utility/transport.
Cessna can also manufacture the Caravan with provisions for two hard points on each wing, enabling the aircraft to be fitted with weapons.
The demonstrator will tour the world this year, with Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific on the program.