Textron Aviation Inc. announced on Tuesday that Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its newest special mission aircraft, awarding an order for five multirole aircraft to support the nation’s Special Operations Forces. The selection launches the SkyCourier into the global defense market for the first time and strengthens Belgium’s airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform built for demanding missions.
Belgium’s SkyCourier fleet will enable rapid movement of
personnel and equipment while supporting logistics, medical evacuation and
crisis response operations. Deliveries to the prime contractor, Sabena
Engineering, are expected throughout 2027, followed by in-country military
modifications prior to the final aircraft transfer to the Belgian Special
Operations Forces.
“This first military selection signals strong armed service
interest in the Cessna SkyCourier and underscores its readiness for high‑consequence
missions,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “The
SkyCourier’s combination of rugged performance, low operating cost and the
ability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes it a powerful
solution for customers who need dependable lift in unpredictable environments.”
Belgium’s decision reflects a growing government demand for
affordable, multirole aircraft capable of supporting rapidly evolving mission
sets.
Cessna SkyCourier Performance
The freighter variant is sized to handle up to three LD3
shipping containers and has an impressive 6,000-pound payload capacity. The
19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as
well as large cabin windows for natural light and views.
The SkyCourier is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt &
Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller
C779, a heavy-duty, reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller with full
feathering and reversible pitch, designed to enhance the aircraft's performance
while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is equipped with Garmin G1000
NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots true air speed and
a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.
“Working closely with Textron Aviation, Sabena Engineering
will perform all mission‑specific integration and certification in Belgium,
ensuring the SkyCourier delivers the flexible, responsive airlift capability
our Special Operations Forces require while strengthening national industrial
expertise and sovereignty,” added Stephane Burton, CEO, Sabena Engineering.
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