Quest Aircraft Co. has received FAA approval for a TKS Tank installation in the KODIAK cargo pod. This optional TKS tank will be available for production KODIAKs after the first of the year. A retrofit installation for KODIAKs in the field will also be available.
“The Flight Into Known Ice (FIKI) TKS ice protection system currently available for the KODIAK features a cockpit console mounting for the tank,” said Sam Hill, CEO of Quest Aircraft. “This new Quest-designed system puts the TKS tank in the forward section of the cargo pod. The installation frees up cabin space, an enhancement we know many of our customers will appreciate.”
The new optional TKS tank allows operators with airplanes configured with the TKS Ice Protection System to keep the aisle clear between the left and right crew seat and provides for a roomier cockpit and cabin, company officials noted.
The optional TKS tank is installed in the forward portion of the cargo pod just aft of the firewall. There is no reduction in cargo weight capacity, and only a slight decrease of volume in the forward cargo bay.
Once the G1000 is configured for the installation, the system works exactly like the cockpit console tank.
In addition, the tank can be filled from the exterior of the aircraft, so there is no need for any fluid in the cabin, eliminating the possibility of spills, company officials said. The tank has the same capacity of 16 gallons of fluid as the center console tank.
The KODIAK is certified in 17 countries, with several additional certifications imminent.