TEXTRON AVIATION has been on an upgrade spree of its jets and is now turning the spotlight to its line-up of piston aircraft.
The Beechcraft Baron, Bonanza, and Cessna high-wing aircraft will all receive major upgrades. New models are expected to begin rolling out as early as mid- 2022.
The new Bonanza G36 will now offer a much needed 155-pound increase to its maximum takeoff weight, giving the aircraft a maximum useful load of 1,213 pounds in its standard configuration.
On the avionics side, Bonanza and Baron users will see a new cockpit layout with a standalone autopilot controller. Additionally, the aircraft will include a Garmin GI 275 electronic standby, a carbon monoxide detector integrated intothe avionics system, USB ports at every seat, powered headset plugs, and updated LED exterior lighting for better visibility.
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane will also get a Garmin GI 275 electronic standby. The standby will modernise the cockpit by eliminating the three analogue standby instruments while also providing more flight data.
The interiors will see a refresh with the addition of Alcantara inserts in the seats and a backlit USB A/C port in the cockpit. Often used in race car interiors, Alcantara is a synthetic leather that doesn’t absorb heat like traditional leather, nor liquid like a cloth material.