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A 208B Grand caravan with cargo pod, inflight. Author: Shawn from Airdrie, Canada.
An Iraqi Air Force Cessna 208B Grand Caravan launches Hellfire missile.
Overview[]
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a reliable American single-engine turboprop airplane manufactured by Cessna. It is generally used as a short-haul airliner, light cargo, airline feeder service bush flight and utility aircraft. It can also be a military light transport turboprop.
History[]
The first prototype Caravan flew in December 1982, intended as a replacement for previous models such as the Cessna 206. The aircraft was introduced in 1984, and shortly after FedEx became the Caravan's biggest customer, leading them to add 48 inches to the airplane's fuselage. This became the 208B Super Cargomaster variant. The fourth variant in the series, the Grand Caravan, was introduced in October 1990. It is known for it's reliability.
Specifications[]
The Cessna Caravan measures a total of 37 feet and 7 inches long, with a wingspan of 51 feet and one inch. The aircraft features a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine that produces approximately 600 to 1,075 horsepower, with a fuel capacity of 332 gallons plus a 45-minute reserve.
Data[]
| Category. | Statistic. |
|---|---|
| First flight on. | 1982. |
| Retired on. | Still in use. |
| Major contractor(s). | Cessna Aircraft. |
| Passengers and cargo capacity. | 9 passengers or 13 with FAR Part 23 waiver. |
| Fight ceiling. | 25,000 ft (7,600 m). |
| Top speed. | Cruiseing speed, 214 mph; 186 kn (344 km/h)true air speed. |
| VTOL. | No. |
| Range. | 1,232 mi; 1,070 nmi (1,982 km). |
| Crew. | 2. |
| Nationality(s). | American. |
| Class. | Military light transport turboprop. short-haul airliner, light cargo, airline feeder service bush flight and utility aircraft. |
| Rate of climb. | 1,234 ft/min (6.27 m/s). |
| Links. | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_208_Caravan and http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan. |