Daher launches 'stretched' Kodiak 900

Bigger, faster, cleaned up! That’s the stretched Kodiak 900 which made its debut at Oshkosh on Monday.

The 900 is 3.9ft longer than the original Kodiak, the 100, and has a higher cruise speed of 210kt.

The multi-role backcountry capable Kodiak 900 has more passenger and cargo space, and greater useful load while maintaining a max range of 1,129nm.

An aerodynamic ‘clean-up’ and new Hartzell propeller help lower the 900’s fuel burn by 9%, reducing cost-per-seat-mile and operating costs.

The Kodiak 900 is 3.9 feet longer than the original Kodiak 100

Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s Aircraft Division, said, “The Kodiak 900 is in a category of its own: a highly versatile unpressurized utility turboprop airplane that can carry impressive payloads while cruising comfortably at 210 KTS in refined luxury.”

The Kodiak 900 was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 20 July, and deliveries will begin in 2023. Production of the Kodiak 900, along with the Kodiak 100 in its latest Series III version, remains in Idaho, USA.

The Kodiak 900’s stretched fuselage provides a total cabin volume increase of 20% to 309 cubic feet, and has an all-new interior.

The Kodiak 900 received FAA type certification on 20 July – just before Oshkosh

New passenger seats are multi-directional, and the interior can be arranged in multiple configurations – from double club to all-forward-facing arrangement. Details include USB-a and USB-c ports, LEMO aircraft-powered headset jacks, cupholders and phone holders are now at every seat.

The Kodiak 900 sits higher in the rear than the Kodiak 100 so a complete redesign of the rear main cargo door was made. Additional steps create an easier entry and exit point for passengers, while also helping to load cargo.

The Kodiak 900 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 900-shaft horsepower PT6A-140A turboprop engine driving a new constant speed, full-feathering and hydraulically-actuated five-blade composite propeller from Hartzell. The prop’s design and low 1,900 rpm setting contribute to the low noise level of 79.5 dB.

The air intake system has been optimised for low starting temperatures that allow for multiple battery engine starts per hour – a requirement for such high-cycle customers as skydive operators and in short-haul commercial flights.

Key features of the engine:

• FAST™ diagnostic and prognostic solution. FAST captures, analyzes, and wirelessly sends full-flight data intelligence to the aircraft operator on engine shutdown
• Built for the utility market and optimised for demanding conditions with all-aluminum gearbox housings for better corrosion resistance
• Best ‘hot and high’ performance in its class
• No cycle limits on the engine’s time between overhaul (TBO)
• TBO extension options of up to 8,000 hours
• Minimum component life limit 50%+ higher than other engines in the same class.

Nicolas Chabbert said, “The PT6A-140A engine lets us propel the Kodiak to a new level of performance with cargo capacity. The new engine will enable our operators to enhance their productivity whether they fly cargo missions or manage businesses such as sky diving and air taxi service.”

Kodiak 900