Wing modification kit for Caravan in works

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Arctic Aerospace Inc. have teamed to develop a wing modification kit for the Cessna Caravan.

Using analytical data prepared by NRC, Arctic is designing and certifying the kit, which comprises leading edge cuffs and winglets to improve operational performance of the aircraft under hot and high conditions. The kit also reduces fuel consumption and improves the aircraft’s flight characteristics in icing conditions, according to council officials.

NRC was tasked with the preliminary analysis of the root and tip wing sections in order to gain insight into the aerodynamic performance characteristics of the proposed modifications. NRC was also contracted to develop the wing and fuselage loads analysis and conduct a full flight test program.

This soon-to-be-certified modification includes contiguous winglets and leading edge cuffs and has the potential to reduce reference speeds and reduce drag. It also aims to increase maximum landing weights with no flaps deployed. To accomplish this, a drooped leading-edge extension is designed which will extend the wing chord by 100mm to the entire span of the wing, according to company officials. Studies are underway to confirm predicted improvements in performance parameters such as takeoff and landing distance, en route climb performance, service ceiling, cruise speed and range.??The reduced drag results in reduced fuel burn, officials note. Preliminary flight-testing of the configuration has indicated the potential for reduced ice accretion under applicable conditions. It is predicted that reductions in reference speeds may permit increases in maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and maximum landing weight (MLW) based on maximum stall speeds defined in FAR 23 type certification requirements.

This partnership was made under the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), which aims to stimulate innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada. “Upon the project’s completion, Arctic Aerospace will produce a new leading edge cuff and winglet for all models of the Cessna Caravan aircraft,” says IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) Tony Edgar. “The knowledge and data gained from this research and development work could be leveraged for future development work for similar products on other aircraft types.”

“NRC’s direct involvement in our certification program has been nothing short of spectacular,” says Steve Clippingdale, Strategic Project Manager of Arctic Aerospace. “Their knowledge and professionalism has allowed this market-worthy kit to arrive better and faster than we could have imagined, and without us having to expand our own R&D department.”

Located in Richmond, British Columbia, Arctic Aerospace Inc. designs, fabricates and installs custom aircraft modifications to improve the performance and versatility of the flying experience. The company specializes in Cessna 185 and bush plane enhancements.