Avcon Industries Gets New Survey Layout for C-208s

Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries has been granted an FAA STC approval for the Cessna 208B that offers dual Avcon camera ports and the firm's 'Special Mission Pod' modification.

The changes provide about 80 cubic feet of space inside the fuselage-mounted cargo pod, which can be devoted towards another suite of sensors, cameras, and radar with a full 360º sweep. Of course, Avcon made sure their pod modifications would be compatible with their own dual camera ports, letting customers equip their Caravan with a full sweet of visual sensors along with whatever Lidar they prefer. Unsurprisingly, the modification doesn't come cheap, with the Avcon Special Mission Pod ringing up at the register for a cool $225,000 MSRP. The dual camera port modification starts just a bit higher at $248,000. But that isn't news to anyone shopping for multi-camera, multi-sensor installations.

The Avcon "Special Mission Pod" is uniquely designed by the Avcon aerospace engineers to optimize sensor operational capabilities for the Model 208 and 208B airplanes," said Chris Reedy. As president and CEO of Avcon's owner, Butler National, he's seen more than a few aircraft come through the doors for modification. "Similarly, the combination of a Special Mission Pod with the Avcon Caravan camera ports expands the functionality of the aircraft to other applications. Avcon engineers once again created a generic design with tremendous adaptability. I strongly encourage Caravan operators to view the new product offerings on the Avcon Industries website."

"Avcon continues to look for opportunities to grow the utility of airplanes for special missions, among other commercial operations," added Aric Peters, Director of Sales. " While Avcon offers many special mission modifications for King Air airplanes, from extended nose, camera ports and its oversized pod for the King Air B300 to provisions for external stores and workstations, now Avcon has extended its available platforms to include the Model 208/208B Caravan family. The Avcon modifications are designed for generic functionality, to include installation, retraction and extension of lights, cameras, and is compatible with a wide range of radar bands including X/P/L-bands."

FMI: www.avconindustries.com