Textron Aviation Inc. has announced the delivery of 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 carried out 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 equipped 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 had more than 3,000 aircraft delivered, certified in 100 countries, with nearly 24 million flight hours accumulated worldwide since its introduction. Caravans serve various roles, from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers, and humanitarian missions. The Grand Caravan EX aircraft is renowned for its reliable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and special mission operators worldwide. The aircraft boasts an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a climb rate of 1,275 feet per minute.
“The Grand Caravan EX delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be utilized 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 necessary operations. 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.
For over 95 years, Textron Aviation has harnessed the combined talent of the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to design and deliver the finest aviation experience for customers. With a range that encompasses business jets, turboprops, high-performance pistons, special mission, military trainers, and defense products, Textron Aviation possesses the most diverse and comprehensive aviation product portfolio globally, and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide.
Customers in over 170 countries depend on Textron Aviation’s legendary performance, reliability, and versatility, as well as its trusted global customer service network, for cost-effective, productive, and adaptable flight. Textron is a multi-industry enterprise that leverages its worldwide network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses to offer customers innovative solutions and services. Textron is recognized globally for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.