SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Lakeland, Florida, March 29, 2023 – The Kodiak 900 is at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo for the first time, bringing the larger and faster version of Daher’s robust and rugged Kodiak 100 turboprop-powered aircraft to this event ahead of the first production-definition deliveries – scheduled for the spring.
With its enlarged cabin, enhanced comfort and excellent efficiency at cruise speed, the Kodiak 900 is introducing a new concept: the ultimate getaway vehicle for owners and pilots upgrading from piston-engine airplanes and looking for more passengers or cargo capacity.
Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division
Inheriting the Kodiak 100’s remarkable qualities as a backcountry STOL (short takeoff and landing) and multi-role airplane, the Kodiak 900 marks a further step with its fuselage length extension of 3.9 feet to provide more passenger room and cargo space, a cruise speed increase to 210 KTAS, and a greater useful load while offering a range of 1,129 nm.
Daher’s Kodiak engineering department introduced numerous updates to reduce the Kodiak 900’s aerodynamic drag: ducts, inlets, and air intakes have been redesigned, remodeled and reengineered for enhanced airflow circulation. The cargo pod – which is an option on the Kodiak 100 – has been aerodynamically refined and is now fully integrated as standard equipment on the Kodiak 900. Additionally, the pilot’s entry step has become a foldable ladder, while flap tracks on the wing are covered and wheel fairings have been added to the landing gear.
As a result of these enhancements, the Kodiak 900’s operating economics have been improved, with a five percent reduction in specific fuel consumption from the Kodiak 100 – which is in double digits when compared to direct competitors. This lowers the cost-per-seat-mile and the direct operating costs for commercial operators. A new constant speed, full-feathering, hydraulically-actuated five-blade composite propeller from Hartzell is integrated on the Kodiak 900’s Pratt & Whitney Canada 900-shaft horsepower PT6A-140A turboprop engine. The propeller’s design and its low setting of 1,900 rpm contribute to the low noise level of 79.5 dB, allowing the aircraft to operate in the most strictly regulated noise-sensitive areas.
The Kodiak 900’s cabin benefits from Daher’s expertise in passenger comfort. In the aircraft’s Summit+ interior definition, the seats come in durable and weather-resistant leather, and carpeting is installed throughout. The sidewalls, headliner and rear bulkhead utilize the popular composite material from the Kodiak 100. Industry-leading sound damping creates one of the quietest cabin experiences for an aircraft in its class.
With the addition of a fifth set of passenger windows, the Kodiak 900’s cabin is bright and has a feeling of spaciousness – even with the maximum configuration of 10 seats. Individual amenity panels that include USB-A and USB-C ports, cupholders and mobile phone holders are now located at every seat. Development of the Kodiak 900 began in 2016. Three test aircraft have been built to date: a static test article for structural testing, a flying prototype for flight testing, and the aircraft on display at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo. This aircraft is the first conforming production aircraft that served for airworthiness authority function and reliability testing, and has been sold to a private operator. The first full-production aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in May 2023.
