Process Hangs A Turboprop Engine On A Caravan, Makes Other Modifications

An agreement has been signed between Winner Aviation and Aero Twin of Anchorage, Alaska to designate Winner the first authorized conversion center for Aero Twin’s modification STC that converts Cessna 208 aircraft to Honeywell powered TPE-331 engines at either 850 or 950 shaft horsepower.

Known as the 850 Caravan, or 950 Grand Caravan, the firewall forward modification matches a TPE331-12JR Honeywell engine and a Hartzell 109.5” four bladed propeller to either of the Caravanairframes. To date there are five Caravans in operation with Aero Twin’s STC.

The agreement between Winner Aviation and Aero Twin is an obvious fit. Since  2010 Winner has been a Cessna Caravan factory authorized service center, and, Winner is Honeywell’s oldest and most experienced independent TPE331 factory authorized service center in the world. Winner also maintains FAA and Honeywell approval for TPE331 overhaul capability.

Rick Hale, Winner’s CEO saw becoming the first 850 Caravan conversion center as an ideal match between the company's experienced technicians and customers. “Operators of these hard working Cessna 208 aircraft are looking for two things really ... power and fuel efficiency. This 850 Caravan conversion offers operators the best choices available in today’s market.” He says the 850 Caravan delivers a robust firewall forward conversion that has it all; more horsepower, better fuel efficiency, heavy duty engine mounting and a canted thrust line, upgraded electrical, digital engine monitoring, increased gross weight, an extended cargo floor, and certification for flight into known icing.

“Winner Aviation is Honeywell’s oldest independent TPE331 service center and we have also been a Cessna 208 service center since 2010.  We have several engine and airframe technicians at Winner with more than 30 years experience and employment at Winner," hale said. "To say we know Caravans and 331 engines is an understatement….the 850 Caravan conversion program is tailored to fit our expertise and experience.”

The company will begin conversions immediately and is offering initial conversion customers buying incentives.

FMI: www.winner-aviation.com