The Cessna 408 SkyCourier is a twin-turboprop, high-wing utility aircraft by American aerospace manufacturer Textron Aviation. Crewed by one or two, the SkyCourier can seat up to 19 in passenger configuration or carry up to 6,000 pounds in its cargo variant. The 408 took its maiden flight on May 17, 2020 and was introduced into service on May 9, 2022.
Textron Aviation began the SkyCourier program in 2017 as a clean-sheet initiative to create a highly versatile cargo and passenger aircraft that could satisfy a variety of needs including those of high-tempo international logistics companies. Similar in basic design to the company’s 208 Caravan, the twin-engine 408 is more powerful, capable, and much more capacious than its smaller, single-engine sibling. Ruggedness and efficacy in adverse weather was an important component of the design goals of the 408 in its development, and as a result, the 408 has proven exceptionally capable in a range of conditions, notably icing. Pilots who have flown the 408 further note that it is both highly responsive and forgiving, from take-off to landing.
The SkyCourier measures 55 feet, 1 inch in length and stands 20 feet, 8 inches tall. It features a high-aspect ratio, strut-braced main wing with a span of 72 feet, 3 inches. It has a fixed tricycle undercarriage and a T-tail empennage. It has a dual-control cockpit with a Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck using 12-inch screens.
The 408 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines that deliver 1,110 horsepower each to 4-blade McCauley constant-speed propellers. The aircraft has a range of 1058 miles, a service ceiling of 25,000 feet above sea level, a take-off distance of 3,660 feet, and a cruise sped of 240 miles per hour.
With its boxy fuselage and high-mounted straight main wing adorned with dual Pratt & Whitney turboprops, the Cessna 408 SkyCourier by Textron Aviation is clearly a utilitarian machine. From its first flight, this workhorse has proven to also be a pilot favorite with its advanced avionics suite, intuitive cockpit, and exceptional handling and performance.
