Cessna 408 SkyCourier
The Cessna 408 SkyCourier is an American utility aircraft designed and built by the Cessna division of Textron Aviation. It was launched on November 28th, 2017, with an order for fifty from FedEx Express, with the aircraft designed for the needs of its FedEx Feeder service. It made its first flight on May 17th, 2020, and was type certified on March 11th, 2022. FedEx took delivery of the first production model on May 9th, 2022.
The SkyCourier is a twin-turboprop, high-wing monoplane, available as a 19-passenger regional airliner, a cargo variant that can carry three LD3 unit load devices, and a combi version with 9 passenger seats and a rear-cabin cargo area. The non-pressurized design is built from aluminium and is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines and fixed landing gear. The 19,000-pound (8,600 kg) MTOW airplane can cruise up to 210 knots (390 km/h; 240 mph), with a range of 386 nautical miles (715 km; 444 mi) with 19 passengers.
Variants[edit | edit source]
- Freighter (408F): Version to carry cargo including three LD3 containers. A roller mat floor is optional.
- Passenger (408P): Version with passenger windows, can be fitted with 19 passenger seats, with a baggage compartment at the rear of the cabin. It has a built-in rear airstair and three under-wing emergency exits. Optionally, seats can be fitted which are quickly removable to allow conversion to carry freight, for example for overnight cargo operations.
- Combi (408C): This is an option for the passenger version which enables nine passengers to be accommodated at the front of the cabin and freight to be loaded at the rear. A freighter option allows for all-freight operation as well. It gained US FAA certification in May 2024 and the first example was delivered to Everts Air two months later.
- Special missions: In 2023 Textron announced that it was developing a special missions variant. This would include four underwing hardpoints plus two inboard stations for additional fuel tanks. Stations would be provided for external sensors, and the nose baggage compartment modified to accommodate a retractable electro-optical and infrared sensor pod. The engine starter/generators would be upgraded to power the extra electrical equipment. Mission kits would also include three stacking stretchers plus two critical care berths for medevac missions. The fuselage can be fitted with sideways-facing troop seats, and the main door can be modified for parachuting and para-dropping. A demonstrator aircraft was due to fly in 2024.
