First Production Cessna SkyCourier Large-Utility Turboprop Emerges From Textron Aviation’s Wichita, Kansas, Manufacturing Facility

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Employees at Textron Aviation’s manufacturing facility in Wichita recently gathered to mark the rollout of the first production Cessna SkyCourier large-utility turboprop. (Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation.)

Textron Aviation recently rolled out the first production unit of the new Cessna SkyCourier from its Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing plant. The twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop was introduced in 2017, and features a clean-sheet design that Textron says allowed it to use cutting-edge assembly and fabrication manufacturing processes. Textron designed the SkyCourier for airfreight, commuter, and special-mission use and will manufacture a 19-passenger, 2,268-kilogram (5,000-pound) payload configuration as well as a 2,270-kg (6,000-lb) freight configuration that can accommodate three LD3 shipping containers. Textron expects the SkyCourier to receive certification during the first half of this year.

Meet The SkyCourier

Back in May 2020, Textron completed the SkyCourier prototype’s first flight; since then, three test aircraft have since combined to complete 2,100 flight hours. The aircraft’s certification flight phase began in April 2021. Launch customer FedEx Express has already ordered 50 SkyCouriers configured to haul cargo, and has an option for an additional 50.

The SkyCourier includes such features as a flat-floor cabin, single-point-pressure refueling, and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. The aircraft’s new 279.4-centimetre (110-inch) heavy-duty McCauley Blackmac four-blade propellers are paired with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines, each rated for 1,110 shaft horsepower. The SkyCourier has a 1,667-kilometre (900-nautical-mile) flight range, and a maximum cruise speed of 200 KTAS. It measures 16.5 metres (54.1 feet) long and 6 m (19.9 ft) high, and has a 21.95-m (72-ft) wingspan.

Making Manufacturing Moves

FedEx Express and other members of Textron’s customer advisory board provided key input during the SkyCourier’s design phase, advising the manufacturer on manufacturing methods, materials, features, and serviceability. Textron says it is using monolithic machining throughout the airframe, which involves milling major assemblies from one metal piece, which reduces the total number of parts and simplifying assembly. The production team also developed patent-pending quick-release seats and overhead bins that allow single-operator installation.

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Textron Aviation expects its high-wing Cessna SkyCourier to receive type certification in the first half of this year. The aircraft will be available in both passenger and freight configurations. (Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation.)

“Today is a rewarding day for our employees who have worked to design and build what I believe will become a legendary airplane for our company,” says Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper. “The SkyCourier brings an impressive combination of cabin flexibility, payload capability, performance, and low operating costs to the twin-engine utility segment. We look forward to this highly versatile aircraft entering the market very soon.”

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Source: Textron Aviation