FedEx Express is converting its entire fleet of 250 Cessna 208 Caravans from de-icer boots to CAV Aerospace TKS ice-protection systems and Garmin G600
avionics. The conversion program is a partnership between CAV Aerospace and Cessna Aircraft. Yingling Aviation will install the TKS systems and the G600 avionics on the FedEx Caravans. Although the dollar value of the FedEx contract wasn’t revealed, the CAV Aerospace Caravan TKS conversion retails for $96,500 and the G600 package costs about $30,000, so the retail value of the contract is more than $30 million.
The TKS–or so-called “weeping wing” glycol-based ice-protection system– replaces pneumatic boots that cover the leading edges of the single-engine turboprop Caravan’s wing, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, landing-gear legs, wing struts and cargo pods (if equipped). On the Caravan, the TKS system’s laser-drilled titanium leading edges are installed on wing, wing strut and empennage leading edges. A propeller slinger system eliminates the need to install TKS panels on the landing gear struts and cargo pod. The system includes windshield spray coverage. A 20.8-gallon TKS fluid tank installed in the cargo pod provides about three hours of anti-icing/de-icing protection for the Caravan.
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