Textron Successfully Mates Wings To Cessna SkyCourier Prototype; First Flight Expected In 2020

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Textron Aviation announced in late December that it successfully mated the wings and fuselage on the first SkyCourier prototype. The twin-engine utility turboprop is expected to undertake its maiden flight in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation.)

Textron Aviation recently reached a key milestone on its path toward taking its new, clean-sheet Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop on its maiden flight in 2020 by successfully mating the wings to the fuselage on the first SkyCourier prototype. Chris Hearne, Textron senior vice president, Programs and Engineering, says the operation went as expected. “The Cessna SkyCourier’s rugged, high-wing design will give the aircraft excellent operational and performance characteristics for its diverse mission profile,” he says.

Into 2020

Cessna plans to offer the Cessna SkyCourier in passenger, freighter, and combination configurations, all based a common 6,000-pound (2,722-kilogram) payload. The passenger configuration will accommodate 19 passengers, and the freighter configuration will handle three standard LD3 air cargo containers.

Textron introduced the SkyCourier in 2017. It says the program is “progressing considerably,” as assembly of the prototype and five additional flight and ground test articles are underway, as well as landing gear and avionics ground testing. The plane will be equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines, McCauley Blackmac four-blade propellers, Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and single-point pressure refueling. Maximum range will top out at 900 nautical miles (1,667 kilometers).

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Besides Cessna, Textron Aviation owns the Beechcraft and Hawker brands. You’ll find a huge selection of new and used aircraft from all three brands for sale every day on Controller.com.

Source: Textron Aviation