Textron Aviation's second copy of the clean-sheet, single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali completed its first flight on Thursday morning from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (KICT), flying for two hours and one minute and reaching an altitude of 15,500 feet and a maximum speed of 240 knots. Designated as the Model 220, the new airplane is slated to gain FAA certification next year, according to the company.

“This flight is another vitally important step for the Beechcraft Denali program as the aircraft will be used primarily for testing aircraft systems like avionics, cabin environmental control, and ice protection,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of engineering and programs Chris Hearne. “The team has made great progress, accomplishing key goals in the flight-test program, and the Denali team heads into the second half of 2022 with a great deal of momentum.”

So far, the Denali flight-test program that launched in November 2021 has accumulated more than 250 flight hours. Eventually, a third Denali will join the flight-test program along with three airframe ground-test articles.