Textron Aviation recently announced the U.S. Army Contracting Command awarding a contract for two Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop aircraft.
These aircraft will be owned and operated by the Djiboutian Air Force (DAF). This marks the third delivery order under a five-year, $100 million IDIQ contract.
The agreement allows for the procurement of Textron Aviation aircraft by the U.S. Army for its allies and partners.
The Djiboutian Air Force: A Strategic Partner
Established in 1977, the Djiboutian Air Force (DAF) is a vital component of the Djiboutian Armed Forces.
Its primary mission includes safeguarding Djibouti’s airspace, supporting ground troops, and assisting with national emergencies.
The DAF plays a critical role in maintaining regional stability and security, and the addition of these advanced Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will significantly enhance their Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Cessna Grand Caravan EX
The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways while delivering single-engine economy and simplicity.
The Grand Caravan® EX aircraft has a reputation as a revenue generator. It carries up to 14 occupants with an increased speed and climb capability, plus a takeoff ground roll of only 1,399 ft.
Its Pratt & Whitney Canada engine delivers 867 horsepower for dependable payload performance and operating efficiency.
Textron Aviation designs and manufactures the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, renowned for its exceptional performance and efficiency.
“These specially equipped Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will provide the Djiboutian Air Force with advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, strengthening their border security,” said Bob Gibbs, Textron Aviation’s vice president of Special Mission Sales.
“This multi-year contract streamlines the acquisition process for our foreign military sale partners. We are proud to support U.S. national security and foreign policy through the IDIQ program and look forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Army.”
This order follows recent deliveries of three Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft – two for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force and one for the Ecuadorian Naval Aviation.
The IDIQ contract now sees five aircraft ordered, including the recent addition of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX for Djibouti.
Cessna Caravan Versatility
Textron Aviation’s Cessna Caravan platform boasts over 3,000 deliveries worldwide. The aircraft is now certified in 100 countries, accumulating nearly 24 million flight hours to date.
Caravans serve diverse missions, including flight training, recreation, airline transport, VIP travel, cargo hauling, and humanitarian aid.
The Grand Caravan EX is a favorite of regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and special missions operators. This is particularly due to its dependable and efficient performance.
This powerful aircraft boasts 867 horsepower and an impressive climb rate of 1,275 feet per minute.
Textron Aviation and Critical Mission Support
Government, military, and commercial entities seeking airborne solutions for critical missions consistently turn to Textron Aviation. Their aviation products typically deliver the exceptional performance and flight characteristics needed to tackle unique special operations.
Offering unmatched quality, versatility, and low operating costs, Textron Aviation’s portfolio caters for a range of role modified operations including:
- air ambulance,
- ISR,
- utility transport, aerial survey and flight inspection
- training and specialized aerial work applications.
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