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Textron announced that a gravel kit is now offered for the twin-engine, large utility Cessna SkyCourier turboprop. This gives customers the flexibility needed to operate the plane in and out of unimproved runways. Deliveries will begin later this month for aircraft with the installed option.
The Cessna SkyCourier achieved FAA type certification in March 2022 and first deliveries began two months later.
RELATED STORIES:Cessna SkyCourier granted FAA certification; twin turboprop workhorse set to enter market for FedEx ExpressAerus launches fleet with Cessna SkyCourier and Grand Caravan EX from Textron"Cessna aircraft have been moving people and critically-needed goods in and out of remote areas for decades, and this new capability allows SkyCourier customers to operate in some of the world's most demanding environments," Senior VP of sales and flight operations, Lannie O'Bannion, said. "The addition of this new gravel kit greatly enhances the already rugged reliability of the SkyCourier.With the new option, users like humanitarian organizations, military operations, air ambulance operators, law enforcement and government agencies can have more options for use for the SkyCourier.
The high-wing turboprop offers lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. The freighter version has a 19-passenger variant available, which includes separate crew and passenger entries for smoother boarding and large cabin windows for views and natural light.
The different variations for the Cessna include single-point pressure refueling to allow for faster turnarounds. The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt andamp; Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines. The SkyCourier has the McCauley Propeller C779, a 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller that has full feathering with reversible pitch, meant to improve the aircraft performance while hauling large loads.
The aircraft is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of over 200 ktas, as well as a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. There is a large door and flat floor cabin and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with a payload capacity of 6,000.