Textron Aviation to Provide Special Missions Aircraft to Djibouti Air Force

Defense News ,Djibouti :-  The US Army has picked Textron Aviation to give two unique Cessna Grand Caravan EX planes to the Djibouti Air Force.

These planes are designed for special jobs and are like luxury business planes. They have a big wing and a powerful engine that can carry two pilots and up to 14 people, depending on what's needed.

These planes can land on regular runways or on skis, depending on what they're being used for. Inside, they can have seats for passengers or a space for carrying cargo.

The Grand Caravan EX can go pretty fast, between 304 to 343 kilometers (about 189 to 213 miles) per hour, depending on the version.

These planes are powered by a strong engine made by Pratt & Whitney, which gives them 867 horsepower. They also have a special four-blade propeller made by McCauley.

Textron Aviation's VP, Bob Gibbs, said, “The two special missions Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will be Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance equipped to ensure the border sovereignty of the country of Djibouti.”

Textron Aviation's latest deal is part of a long-term plan to provide planes for the US Department of Defense's friends over five years. Other planes included in this plan are the Cessna SkyCourier, the Beechcraft King Air 260, and the Beechcraft King Air 360.

The first part of this plan ordered three King Air 360 Extended Range planes. Two of these were for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force and the other for the Ecuadorian Naval Aviation.

“This multiyear contract allows the US Army Security Assistance Command to rapidly procure Commercial off the Shelf aircraft and modifications from Textron Aviation for our Foreign Military Sale allies and partner nations,” Gibbs explained.

“We are honored to assist in advancing US national security and foreign policy interests by providing our solutions under the [indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity] and we look forward to further cooperation with the US Army.”