The second flight test article for the Cessna SkyCourier program took flight in Wichita on August 11. In Textron Aviation company parlance, the first conforming prototype is referred to as “P1,” and it was this component of the SkyCourier program that made its first flight from Wichita’s Beech Factory Airport (KBEC).
Piloted by engineering flight test pilots Peter Gracey and Todd Dafforn, the 1 hour and 35 minute flight reached an altitude of 14,200 feet and a maximum airspeed of 210 knots—above the planned maximum cruise speed for the twin turboprop. As part of the flight test program, P1 will be used for systems testing, such as propulsion, avionics, and environmental control systems.
“This flight is another important step for the Cessna SkyCourier program as it will be used primarily for testing aircraft systems like avionics, environmental control and anti-icing,” said Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president, engineering and programs. “Since the debut flight for the prototype aircraft, the team has rapidly moved through testing and has accomplished its goals of initial envelope expansion and handling, including stalls. When you consider they have achieved all these milestones despite the many disruptions caused by a global pandemic, it’s quite remarkable.”
One of three flying aircraft planned for the program, P1 joins the first test article, which has made 38 flights and tallied more than 76 flight hours—expanded the center-of-gravity and speed envelopes, stability and maneuverability proving, and initial powerplant tests. The company anticipates certification in 2021.
FedEx have signed up for a large order of this aircraft.
Engines
The Cessna SkyCourier 408 will be equipped with two PT6A-65SC engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The engines will develop a maximum power of 1,100shp.
The PT6A engine will enhance the performance and reliability of the aircraft while minimising fuel consumption. The versatile PT6A engine is designed with innovative aerodynamic and material technologies to develop additional power without increasing its size.
The engines will be coupled to two Blackmac four-bladed aluminium full feathering propellers supplied by McCauley. The reversible propellers will deliver high performance and reliability at low operating costs.
Twotter was / is turbine.
DHC- 6 300 with PT6-27s.
PP
Oops.
Re: Cessna's Sky Courier
Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 4:13 pm
by om15
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has been selected by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, to power a new clean-sheet, twin-engine turboprop aircraft to serve the utility segment. The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft will be powered by the 1,100 shp PT6A-65SC engine enhanced with a fully connected FAST™ data system. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
"We are pleased that Textron Aviation has selected the PT6A engine to power their new utility aircraft," says Nicholas Kanellias, Vice President, General Aviation, P&WC. This is a prime example of how the depth of P&WC's experience in the industry combined with the flexibility of the PT6A engine architecture allows us to quickly and effectively respond to the specific needs of an OEM."
Engineered for high payloads, the PT6A-65SC engine sets a new benchmark offering proven dispatch reliability and crucial high power takeoff and climb to the new Cessna twin-engine utility aircraft. The PT6A-65SC includes the latest advanced technologies such as P&WC's FAST (Full-flight data Acquisition, Storage and Transmission) prognostic solution that helps optimize operations, reduce costs and increase availability. The PT6A-65SC engine offers more time on-wing with a class-leading 6,000-hour time between overhaul (TBO).
"We are proud to power this new Cessna SkyCourier aircraft that FedEx Express is adding to its feeder aircraft fleet. FedEx Express is a long-time operator of P&WC-powered aircraft and the world's largest express transportation company. We expect this addition will help FedEx continue to expand its offerings and deliver on their commitments to customers. When a cargo carrier offers a service bound by a definite delivery time and date money-back guarantee, the dispatch reliability and proven performance of the engine play a critical role in meeting customer demands," says Kanellias.
Interestingly the airframe is manufactured from aluminium rather than composites, this will help maintenance and repair work and give longevity, Cessna are pretty experienced at making good light weight aircraft for a price.
Re: Cessna's Sky Courier
Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 5:34 pm
by om15
Re: Cessna's Sky Courier
Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2020 8:41 am
by TheGreenGoblin
Om15's interesting and detailed posts highlight clearly why this aircraft is so much more that what went before!
