'Yesterday's Hits, and Today's Favorites' but They Cost More Than Your House

Textron Aviation is planning on a pretty plush lineup of products for this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The company is aviation’s own blue-chip GA manufacturer, and it seems they’re keen to reinforce that image with some cool classics and cutting-edge Citations. Everyone will see the newest version of the good ol’ Cessna Skyhawk, coming out to commemorate its 70th birthday, along with the cream of the Cessna crop: The Skylane twins will be on hand, in both Turbo and naturally-aspirated versions; as well as the Turbo Stationair HD. In the world of turboprops, things get a little more exciting, with a first-time appearance by the Cessna SkyCourier. The static display will give attendees a good opportunity to see one in its Freighter configuration, and hopefully rack up some sales in the process. The C-208 also celebrates an anniversary, flying in to commemorate 40 years on the market with a Grand Caravan EX to show.

Cessna will bring out their pride and joy with some jets, too, planning to show the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 as the flagship of Booth #78. It will be joined by a couple mockups of other Citations: The CJ3 Gen 3 will have a large mockup for window-shoppers to check out, while the CJ4 Gen3 will get a cockpit mockup to emphasize its newfangled, futuristic automation.

Of course, Textron is a big firm, with all kinds of goodies to show off besides Cessna. Beechcraft will have its Denali and a King Air 360 on display, along with some corresponding propeller products for the same. Bell plans to show off their 429 multi-mission helicopter, putting a strong foot forward beside its stablemates. Pipistrel rounds out the family with a number of its next-gen trainer planes: The electric Velis will be there to sell flight school owners on the niceties of affordable, battery-powered flight, accompanied by the Sinus Max, Alpha Trainer, and Panthera. All in all, the Pipistrel lineup will be a good counterpart to the Cessna side of the booth–those who come away from their more traditional designs can quickly get a sense for the sleek European aircraft of today with only a few steps. Those who need a spare shirt or a surprisingly affordable hat will be happy they stopped by too, but get there quick, because the good ones go fast!

FMI: www.txtav.com