Textron Aviation Inc. announced it has delivered a special mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract was executed by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company. This Grand Caravan EX is fitted with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor, operator mission console, tactical radios and data link. Textron Aviation will provide pilot, mission operator and maintenance training, as well as an in-country field service representative. The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions. The Grand Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers and special mission operators worldwide. The aircraft offers an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a rate of climb of 1,275 feet per minute.
“The Grand Caravan EX delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be used as a multi-mission platform for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), Search and Rescue (SAR), Air Mobility, Light Air Drop and other operations as necessary. This is the first Caravan EX in the service of the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales.
The Grand Caravan EX delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be used as a multi-mission platform for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), Search and Rescue (SAR), Air Mobility, Light Air Drop and other operations as necessary,”Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales said.
For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.
