Agribusiness

Cessna’s new TTx looks good prospect for bush aviation

Jon Condon, 17/04/2015

TTx 1

 

CESSNA’s next-generation single engine light aircraft looks like a worthy successor for the legion of four-seat 172s and 182s still flying around the bush after 30 years or more.

The new aircraft shows just how far technology has come in development of electronics, avionics, and construction materials since the first-generation utility aircraft were being made.

Aeromil Pacific, Cessna’s Australian authorised representative, will be demonstrating the outstanding capabilities of the new Cessna TTx during April and May.

At 235 knots, the TTx is the fastest fixed-gear piston-engined aircraft in its class. Its efficient laminar-flow wing design, and the low-drag profile all add up to unprecedented speed.

The TTx has a lighter and stronger all-composite body and wing that provide a signature stable ride, and remains the only aircraft in its class to hold a rugged Utility Category certification due to its airframe strength.

Takeoff distance is 1900 feet and maximum cruising range is 1250km. The aircraft’s useful load is almost 500kg, and rate of climb is 1400 feet per minute.

The twin turbocharged TSIO-550 six-cylinder Continental motor provides 231kw (310hp) driven through a three-blade McCauley constant-speed prop, offering performance more like a small turbine.

TTx interior

Click on image for a larger view

 

The TTx features a modern cockpit layout and is the first light aircraft to be equipped with the Garmin G2000 avionics system, featuring a glass cockpit with dual 14.1 inch high definition displays and touch-screen controls.

The TTx is also equipped with the Garmin Electronic Stability Protection (ESP) system, a feature designed to help pilots keep the high-performance aircraft operating within the normal flight envelope.

The fully-lined four passenger cabin features leather seats, side stick controls and armrests and fully integrated automatic climate control air-conditioning system. Access is via dual composite gull wing doors with remote keyless entry.

The TTx’s all-composite construction offers strength, stability and durability that are unparalleled within the class. The dual wing spars are constructed entirely from directional carbon fibre and bear such immense strength that each spar, independently, is capable of supporting the full load limits of the aircraft.

It is through such structural integrity that the TTx is the only aircraft in its class to hold a Utility Category certification, the FAA’s most demanding non-aerobatic certification level.

The all-composite construction process enabled the design of the aircraft’s unique and graceful lines, providing excellent aerodynamic performance and handling.

The Cessna TTx will feature at a special launch event to be held at Aeromil Pacific’s hangar at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Queensland on 28 April, where the aircraft will be showcased to industry, potential customers and the media.

Aeromil Pacific managing director, Steve Padgett said the TTx’s speed, performance and handling characteristics along with its range, would offer private and business pilots across regional and rural parts of Australia an outstanding aircraft for Australian conditions.

 

  • A full presentation and images of the Cessna TTx can be viewed here.
  • The aircraft may be on show in Rockhampton during Beef 2015. For demonstration dates and locations and to register your interest, visit the Aeromil Pacific website http://www.aeromilpacific.com.au/

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Comments

  1. Rebecca Penny, 05/06/2015

    Thank you for your comments. Aeromil Pacific is a Cessna dealer in Australia and we can say that Cessna is far from stopping the high wings and the 172, 182 and 206 are of course available for purchase.

    The TTx is a result of a long history of product development. It has roots from the aircraft kit Lancair IV and then Lancair ES back in the 90’s. In 1993 the Lancair founder, created a new company, Pacific Aviation Composites USA and developed a new Lancair based on the ES. The design emerged as the Columbia 300 in 1998, followed by the turbocharged Columbia 400 in 2000. The kit side of the company was sold and in 2005 the company became Columbia Aircraft. Cessna purchased Columbia Aircraft in 2007 and introduced their models as the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400. In 2009, the aircraft became known as the Corvalis TT and in 2013 and what it is still know as know, the TTx.
    The TTx will not suit all pilot requirements but as an aircraft with style and speed, it is a winner!
    We are happy to assist with any further questions on the Cessna single engine range. Contact Peter Lang or Mark Munn on 07 5448 8700.

    Cheers Rebecca. Our original article certainly attracted wide Beef Central reader interest, and considerable comment amongst private pilots. Editor

  2. Dave Acklam, 18/04/2015

    This is a replacement for the 400-series (former ‘Columbia’ birds), not the 100 series…
    You do not ‘replace’ an IO360 powered primary trainer with a Cirrus SR22 clone.

    Great to see the bush pilot community engaging so vigorously through reader comment on this item. It’s encouraged us to explore bush aviation as a topic a little more frequently on Beef Central.
    Exploring prospects for a diesel version of the 182 might be a good place to start. For readers’ interest, here is an earlier aviation item we published: https://www.beefcentral.com/production/heli-mustering-game-changer/
    Editor

  3. Richard K, 18/04/2015

    To me, It looks and performs like an SR22. I’ll bet the high wing won’t die to soon.

  4. Peter Williams, 17/04/2015

    This aircraft is a far cry from the 182 and fills few of the roles performed by these venerable aircraft. I see no commonality and would rather see a Diesel 172. (which is already available) This would be something special. This little black duck won’t be lining up for this Cirrus SR22 clone which is a long distance cruzer, not a station utility aircraft.

  5. David McKenzie, 17/04/2015

    Jon it is hard to see a low wing aeroplane being a realistic replacement for either 172 or 182. Might be great for getting from a to b, but spotting stock and checking waters….a very much higher degree of difficulty and practicality!

  6. Tony Fountain, 17/04/2015

    I have just over 3000 hrs TT in 172’s and 182’s and I reckon, for bush flying, the “wing on top ” feature that was a Cessna icon will be sadly missed when you are taxieing through farm gate (no more) or getting out of the sun while waiting. many of we “paddock panzers” will miss those features and which will probably keep the 172/182/206 Cessna’s going a bit longer1

  7. Stuart Barrett, 17/04/2015

    This headline is way off. There are 2 reasons for this-capabilities & price, both are nowhere near 172/182.

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