The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification of a new Combi interior conversion option for the Passenger variant of the twin-engine Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft, Textron Aviation announced.
The Combi option enables operators to transport nine passengers and cargo simultaneously. Deliveries of Cessna SkyCourier passenger units with the Combi option included are slated to begin later this year.
“This newly certified Combi kit adds to the growing list of options for the versatile Cessna SkyCourier,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations, Textron Aviation. “The Combi will allow operators to use the aircraft for an even broader range of missions globally and quickly change configurations to best serve their needs.”
The Cessna SkyCourier is designed to meet the needs of air freight, passenger and special-mission operations, and can be operated by a single pilot. Textron Aviation said this additional option builds on the available gravel kit to pave the way for further use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, corporations and humanitarian organisations. The aircraft configuration is highly adaptable.
The 19-passenger Passenger variant includes separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a large baggage compartment as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. The Freighter variant features a large door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with 6,000 lbs of payload capability. Both variants offer single-point pressure refuelling.
The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779. The SkyCourier features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas. The SkyCourier has a 900-nautical-mile maximum range.
