Civil Air Patrol Expands Fleet With 15 New Cessna Aircraft to Support Lifesaving and Community Missions

Core Insights - Textron Aviation Inc. announced an order from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 15 additional piston-engine aircraft, including seven Cessna Skyhawk 172 and eight Cessna Skylane 182 models, scheduled for delivery throughout 2026, expanding CAP's fleet to over 500 Cessna aircraft nationwide [1][3] Company Overview - Textron Aviation has been a leader in aviation for over 95 years, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes business jets, turboprops, high-performance pistons, and special mission products, with a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide [5] - The company is recognized for its reliable and versatile aircraft, which are chosen for various special operations, including air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and utility transport [4][5] Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Mission - CAP operates as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary and provides critical services for federal, state, and local agencies, with operations in all 50 U.S. states and over 1,400 communities [3][10] - In 2025, CAP is expected to enhance its capabilities significantly, having completed over 400 search and rescue missions and saved at least three dozen lives [7][10] Aircraft Performance and Capabilities - The new aircraft order is aimed at strengthening CAP's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, supporting community needs across the nation [2][4] - Textron Aviation's aircraft are designed to meet the demands of special missions, providing high performance and low operating costs, making them suitable for various critical operations [3][4]