Enhanced Surveillance & Intelligence Capabilities Approved for Caravan Aircraft Fleet

Southeast Aerospace has received FAA approval for a new STC enabling mission equipment integration on Cessna 208/208B aircraft for special operations By Summer James / 06 Jun 2025

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SA12011DE to Southeast Aerospace, authorizing the installation of mission equipment on the Cessna 208 and 208B Caravan aircraft.

This FAA-certified modification includes three mission console designs and a side sensor mount, providing a robust and flexible platform for a variety of airborne special mission operations. The STC is valid for all Textron Aviation Cessna 208 and 208B aircraft, with or without the cargo pod installed.

SEA designed the console and mount to support law enforcement, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering missions. The mission console configurations, available in both slim and universal styles, are seat-rail mounted and allow for customized integration of monitors, communication panels, and DZUS-mounted equipment.

Key features of the installation include:

  • Modular Mission Consoles (LH/RH options) designed for single or dual-monitor use
  • Universal camera turret mount supporting payloads up to 200 lbs (e.g., MX-20, MX-15, FLIR 380HD)
  • Camera adapter plate and connector stowage assembly for secure and flexible equipment integration
  • The sensor mount can be removed and a plug installed to return the aircraft to a normal configuration
  • Minimal impact to cabin seating and existing interior layout

Nathan Hernandez, Business Development Manager at Southeast Aerospace, commented, “This STC provides law enforcement and government operators with a proven, FAA-approved mission solution that integrates seamlessly with existing Cessna 208/208B platforms. From design to certification, our focus was ensuring flexibility, durability, and minimal disruption to the aircraft’s original configuration.”

The SEA 208 mission consoles have been successfully integrated into four Cessna Caravans and one Kodiak 100 currently in operational service with law enforcement agencies. An additional installation is scheduled for a PC-12 platform later this year, further demonstrating the versatility and adoption of SEA’s mission equipment solutions across multiple airframes.

Posted by Summer James Edited by Summer James, Junior Editor and Copywriter with an interest in digital content creation and writing about new technology. Connect & Contact

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