And then there were three: Textron Aviation continues apace with its flight test program on the twin turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier, adding a third test article to the pre-production fleet. The aircraft, P2 in company parlance, made its first flight on September 28, 2020, in Wichita. That initial flight, led by pilots Todd Dafton and Caleb Quick, spanned 90 minutes in which the SkyCourier reached an altitude of 15,000 feet msl and a speed of 210 ktas—above its planned maximum cruise speed of 200 ktas.
Textron Aviation Adds Third SkyCourier to Program
Key Takeaways:
- Textron Aviation has added a third test aircraft, P2, to its Cessna SkyCourier flight test program, which successfully completed its initial 90-minute flight on September 28, 2020.
- P2, configured for 19 passengers, will primarily undertake avionics, flammable fluids, and environmental testing, complementing the existing prototype and the P1 freighter test aircraft.
- The SkyCourier program is progressing well towards line production, having accumulated 150 flight hours across the prototype and P1, and features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, a 900-nm range, and potential military applications.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
