Cessna 408 SkyCourier

The Model 408 was launched on November 28, 2017 by Textron Aviation, with an introduction planned for 2020.[2] The 408's design was developed to match FedEx Express requirements, like the earlier Cessna 208 Caravan.[4] FedEx Express will be the launch customer, with an order of "50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more".[2][5]

Initial wind tunnel tests were completed in March 2018. The first flight was originally planned for 2019 and first deliveries anticipated in 2020.[6] The design will be certified to FAR Part 23 standards.[7] FedEx plans to take monthly deliveries over four years starting in 2020, and a similar pace for a second batch, if it agrees to that option.[8] A full-scale mockup of the 19-passenger cabin was displayed at the October 2018 National Business Aviation Association convention.[9]

The mating of the wing and fuselage of the first aircraft was completed in December 2019.[10]

By March 2020, initial ground testing was completed, checking the fuel system, engines, avionics interfaces and electrical systems.[11] The first flight was completed on May 17, 2020, operating from Beech Factory Airport for a 2-hour and 15-minute flight. The prototype aircraft, along with five additional flight and ground test articles, will be used for testing leading to certification.[1] The second prototype first flew in August 2020. It is the first production-conforming aircraft and will be used for testing the engines, propellers, environmental controls and the avionics.[12] A third test aircraft first flew in September 2020.[3]

The SkyCourier is a twin-turboprop, high-wing, utility aircraft. It will be available in a 19-passenger variant with large cabin windows and separate crew and passenger doors, or in a cargo variant sized for three LD3s and 6,000 pounds of payload, featuring a "large cargo door and a flat floor cabin". It will cruise up to 200 kn (370 km/h), with a maximum range of 900 nmi (1,700 km). Single-point refueling will speed turnarounds.[2]

The clean-sheet design should offer better cabin flexibility and payload capability, superior performance and lower operating costs than its competitors.[2] The airframe will be built from traditional aluminum materials and will be equipped with proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65 engines, fixed landing gear and Garmin G1000 avionics. The non-pressurized cabin will be 70 in (178 cm) tall and wide, with a flat floor and a 87 in (221 cm) cargo door.[7]

Data from Cessna.[13]

General characteristics

• Capacity: 19 passengers/5,000 lb (2,268 kg) payload (commuter) or 3×LD3s/6,000 lb (2,722 kg) payload (cargo)
• Length: 54 ft 10 in (16.71 m)
• Wingspan: 72 ft 0 in (21.95 m)
• Height: 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m)
• Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop, 1,100 hp (820 kW) each
• Propellers: 4-bladed McCauley Blackmac aluminum, auto feathering, reverse

Performance

• Cruise speed: 230 mph (370 km/h, 200 kn) maximum
• Range: 460 mi (740 km, 400 nmi) Cargo Range (with 5,000 lb payload)
• Ferry range: 1,000 mi (1,700 km, 900 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
• Takeoff Distance : 3,300 ft (1,006 m)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Aircraft Industries L 410 NG
• Desaer ATL-100
• Dornier 228NG
• Harbin Y-12F
• Indonesian Aerospace N-219
• PZL M28 Skytruck
• Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter

• Official website