Cessna 208 Caravan Family
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft built in the United States. The aircraft can seat 10-14 occupants, operated by a single pilot. The aircraft is also used for cargo feeder liner operations. The Caravan’s cabin can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo hold. The standard high-density airline configuration features four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two cockpit seats. This variant is capable of holding up to 12 passengers.
In January 2013, the higher-powered (867 shp P&WC PT6A-140) Grand Caravan EX (208B), received FAA certification. Cessna offers the 208B in several configurations. The basic 208 airframe can be outfitted with various types of landing gear, allowing it to operate in a wide variety of environments.
Some common Caravan adaptations include snow skis, enlarged tyres for unprepared runways and floats on the Caravan Amphibian model. The cabin can be configured in a low-density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft. Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as skydiving aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door. Presently there are 85 Cessna Caravans operating within the southern African region.
Cessna Caravan
The Caravan is known for its rugged utility and flexibility. With its powerful turboprop engine, the Caravan delivers the rare combination of high performance, low operating costs and ability to adapt to a wide variety of missions. The Caravan is fitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A 675 shp engine and comes standard with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and LED lighting throughout the airframe.
Cessna Grand Caravan EX
The Grand Caravan EX is the most recent addition to Cessna’s successful Caravan family. The Grand Caravan, on which the EX variant is based, has proved to be exceptionally popular in the Southern African region. Especially in destinations such as Botswana’s Okavango Basin and South Africa’s Lowveld, the Grand Caravan’s rugged and dependable design is well matched to the needs of local charter operators.
Whilst externally there has been little change to the successful Caravan formula, there have been some significant advancements in the design. The most important change has been the introduction of the new Pratt and Whitney PT6A-140 engine.This replaces the previous PT6A-114A, boosting the power from 675 shp to an impressive 867 shp. This engine was specifically developed for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and has been a well-received improvement. The Grand Caravan EX enhancements allow for maximum cruise speed of 195 knots and a take-off field length of 2,160 feet. Maximum range is 964nm, but it is the 3,692 pounds of useful load that have made the Cessna Grand Caravan EX so popular.
Stall speed is a benign 61 knots. The aircraft retains the innovative Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and all exterior lighting has been upgraded to brighter and longer lasting LED. Engineered for challenging, rugged missions with high payloads and short, rough runways, operators can count on the Grand Caravan EX’s exceptional performance whether utilised for business or personal adventures.
Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian
With the Introduction of the more powerful Grand Caravan EX, Cessna is now able to offer the amphibian option in both the Caravan and larger Grand Caravan variants. Whatever your mission, the Caravan Amphibian will get the job done.
For years, the Amphibian has been accomplishing life-saving missions, charter missions, hauling missions, and more in all corners of the world. Whether you are an outdoorsman, a charter pilot, a cargo hauler, a medic, a flight enthusiast, or something else entirely, the Caravan Amphibian is ready to load up and take off to wherever you need to go.
Cessna SkyCourier 408
Reliably lifting off day after day with heavy payloads requires real performance and capability.The all new Cessna SkyCourier turboprop has been designed for fully loaded high frequency operations and maximum efficiency. Built for high utilisation operations, the Cessna SkyCourier 408 will be offered in cargo and passenger variants.
The cargo variant will feature a large cargo door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of maximum payload capability. The aircraft will also afford a maximum cruise speed of up to 200 knots and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
The efficient 19-passenger variant will include crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for great natural light and views. Both configurations will offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.
FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and long-time Textron Aviation customer, has signed on as the launch customer for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. Entry into service for the clean-sheet design Cessna SkyCourier is planned for late 2020.
Cessna Denali
Officially announced at Oshkosh AirVenture 2016, the Cessna Denali is Textron’s entrance into the pressurised single engine Turboprop market. The Denali will boast a class leading cabin, exceptional performance and superior economics. It is set to have the widest and tallest cabin in its class with unsurpassed cabin amenities and executive seating.
The Denali will offer customers an optional externally serviceable belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure that is located in the back of the cabin. The flat-floor design cabin will have the lowest cabin altitude in its class for passengers’ comfort. The large aft cargo door and rugged landing gear, designed specifically to operate off unimproved runways, will offer superior versatility.
Fitted with the Garmin® G3000™ avionics make for intuitive control, whilst standard Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) provides a clear, concise picture of your flying environment. Integrating data from the avionics system, the GFC 700 Autopilot is built to inspire confidence whilst ensuring optimum smoothness and comfort.
The autopilot maximises aircraft performance with precise lateral and vertical navigation guidance for all phases of flight. Powering the aircraft will be General Electric’s new Catalyst turboprop engine. An advanced 1,300 shp turboprop engine with FADEC control and an initial 4,000-hour TBO.
Advanced technologies will help to achieve lower operating costs. The Cessna Denali offers the highest level of comfort and productivity available in its category. Best of all, the Denali is backed by the world’s leading manufacturer of business and personal aircraft.