Beechcraft Denali advances through final flight testing

Flight test activities are due to conclude in October 2026, ahead of FAA certification submission and a planned 2027 entry into service.

The clean-sheet single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop is progressing through the final phases of flight testing, with the programme on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October 2026.

Three test aircraft have logged more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights, supporting ongoing validation of the Denali's performance, systems and operational capabilities. Recent milestones include stall speed and characteristics testing, control and manoeuvring characteristics, natural icing and ice shape evaluations, field performance, flyover noise, human factors assessments, avionics system tests and Phase 1 of function and reliability testing. Following completion of testing, Textron Aviation will submit final flight test documentation to the FAA for certification, with entry into service expected in 2027.

Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering and Programs, says: “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 is the first aircraft powered by GE Aerospace's Catalyst engine, a 1,300 shaft horsepower turboprop paired with McCauley's 105-inch diameter composite five-blade propeller. The aircraft is engineered for a 285-knot cruise speed and a 1,600 nautical mile range, with a flat-floor cabin offering a sea-level cabin altitude to more than 18,000ft. Garmin Emergency Autoland will be standard at entry into service, alongside the Garmin G3000 avionics suite and Textron's LinxUs diagnostics system.