Cessna Shows Off Their C-408 Skycourier at EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh 2021
One of the attractions at the 2021 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show was the initial appearance of one of the newest Textron aircraft models, the Cessna C-408 Skycourier turboprop. Designed as a commercial 19-passenger version or as a straight freighter, the new twin – serial number 1 – was on display for the first day of the big show, taking a break from its flight test schedule. On Day 2, it participated in a flypast showcase of new technology before departing the show.
The freighter version has garnered an order for 50 aircraft from FedEx, and will be an enhancement to the FedEx fleet of smaller C-208 Caravans. The aircraft can handle up to three LD3 standard cargo containers at once, carrying up to three tons (6,000 pounds) of freight at a time.
John Freedman photographed the aircraft, which was full of orange wires and boxes (which signify test equipment) aboard the plane. Also visible was the three-panel glass cockpit instrumentation.
The aircraft will be certified up to 25,000 feet in altitude (FL250), with a cruise speed of 200 knots, a maximum range of up to 900 nautical miles (payload dependent) and take off in 3300 feet, fully loaded. A large cargo/entrance door aft of the wing is featured, and a single-point refueling system is standard.
For more specifics, go to: Cessna SkyCourier (txtav.com)
Initial operating capability of the cargo variant is envisioned to be by next year – mid 2022.
