Third and final test aircraft joins Cessna SkyCourier program

The Cessna SkyCourier turboprop development program has achieved another significant milestone as the third and final flight test aircraft (P2) successfully completed its first flight on Monday. This maiden flight for the high-wing, large utility aircraft comes on the heels of the second test article (P1) completing its initial flight in August. The P2 aircraft is the second airframe configured in the passenger variant, and it will join two other aircraft in the flight test certification program, which to date have already accumulated 150 flight hours.

The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

The first flight of P2, piloted by Todd Dafton and Caleb Quick, lasted 90 minutes, reaching a speed of 210 knots true airspeed (ktas) and an altitude of 15,000 feet. The aircraft will primarily be used to focus on avionics testing, flammable fluids testing, and the cold and hot weather testing in the climatic chamber at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

“We will soon be starting line production in Wichita as we move closer to getting the Cessna SkyCourier into the hands of our customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs.

The P2 and prototype aircraft both have the passenger configuration, including windows and escape hatches, while the P1 aircraft is configured in the freighter configuration.

The Cessna SkyCourier aircraft will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter and a 19-seat passenger version.

The aircraft feature the popular Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.

Second Cessna SkyCourier test article takes flight

Textron Aviation announced Tuesday the successful flight of its second Cessna SkyCourier flight test article (P1). The milestone flight for the high-wing, large utility aircraft comes just two-and-a-half months after the prototype Cessna SkyCourier first took to the skies on May 17. The P1 aircraft is the first conforming production flight test aircraft and is the first airframe configured as a freighter.

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

The first flight of P1, piloted by Peter Gracey and Todd Dafforn, lasted one-hour and 35-minutes reaching a max altitude of 14,200 feet with a max speed of 210 knots true airspeed. The aircraft will be used for the flight test program, primarily for systems testing, including propulsion, environmental control and avionics.

The Cessna SkyCourier test program will include three variations of flying aircraft. Since the Cessna SkyCourier prototype completed its first flight in May, the aircraft has successfully completed 38 flights and logged more than 76 flight hours. Through the flights, the team has been able to expand speed and center-of-gravity envelopes, complete preliminary engine and propeller tests, as well as initial stability and maneuverability tests.

The Cessna SkyCourier will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter and a 19-seat passenger version, all based on the common platform.

The aircraft features the popular Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.