Cessena

Textron Aviation subsidiary Cessna Aircraft Company has secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) system for its TTx propeller aircraft.

The FIKI system improves the mission capabilities of TTx, and enables pilots to file flight plans for varying weather conditions.

The system has the capability to provide up to 2.5hr of protection from most ice attaching to the airframe, with least impact on the performance.

Cessna TTx business leader Brian Steele said: "A TTx equipped with FIKI offers great value for customers, allowing their business and recreational plans to stay on schedule, even in some adverse weather conditions.

"The system has the capability to provide up to 2.5hr of protection from most ice attaching to the airframe."

"The TTx is already the world’s fastest commercially produced and certified fixed-gear single-engine aircraft, and we are confident the FIKI option will ensure the TTx appeals to an even wider customer base."

The FIKI system uses glycol-based TKS fluid, which is pumped through micro-drilled holes in the titanium leading edges of the aircraft’s wings.

Both propeller and windshield are also protected with the TKS fluid.

Cessna TTx is an all-composite, high-performance jet, and is the first to be equipped with the Garmin G2000 avionics system which features a glass cockpit with dual 14.1in (35.81cm) high-definition displays and touchscreen controls.

Image: The FIKI system improves the mission capabilities of TTx. Photo: courtesy of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Defence Technology