FlightGlobal reports that FedEx received “the first Cessna SkyCourier turboprop” from Textron Aviation. This makes FedEx the “launch customer of the clean-sheet SkyCourier, which Textron Aviation markets as a cargo and special-mission aircraft, and as a 19-passenger airliner.” FedEx placed an order for “50 of the aircraft, which are powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprops.” Textron Aviation President Ron Draper said, “We believe many other air freight, passenger and special mission operators also will benefit from the winning combination of low operating costs and unparalleled lift capacity that the new Cessna SkyCourier brings to the market.”
Full Story (FlightGlobal)
Tag: Cessna
Self-Flying Cessna Begins Testing for FAA Validation
Flying Magazine reports, “Self-flying aircraft may be closer to takeoff than you think. On Thursday, Boston-based Merlin Labs announced it began what it claims is the first test campaign of a certification-ready, takeoff-to-touchdown autonomous flight system. The company’s Merlin Pilot is designed to one day allow small aircraft to fly with no humans on board.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
Cessna Citation Ascend Completes First Test Flight
Flying Magazine reports, “The second Cessna Citation Ascend test article has completed its first test flight, advancing development of the business jet program, according to Textron Aviation. The milestone flight for the aircraft—called P1—on Wednesday over Wichita, Kansas, follows that of the Ascend prototype, which completed its first flight in 2023, making the P1 aircraft the first conforming production flight test aircraft, Textron said.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
SkyCourier’s Passenger-Cargo Combi Variant Approved by FAA
Flight Global reports, “The Federal Aviation Administration has certificated a variant of Textron Aviation’s SkyCourier turboprop that can carry a mix of passengers and freight, positioning the aircraft manufacturer to begin delivering the ‘combi’ SkyCouriers.”
Full Story (Flight Global – Subscription Publication)
Citation CJ4 Gen3 Program Progresses toward Certification with P1 Flight
Aviation International News reports, “Textron Aviation has completed the first flight of a second Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 test aircraft, marking a key milestone in the program’s path toward certification. Designated P1, the second test jet provides a platform focused on evaluating avionics, human factors, and cabin systems. The flight, conducted from the company’s Wichita facilities, lasted 3 hours 29 minutes and reached FL450 and 305 knots.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)