Cessna is using feedback from a customer advisory body to refine the performance of the new Cessna SkyCourier.
The company yesterday completed wind tunnel testing of the new twin-engine design, which provided aerodynamic performance and structural load data.
As part of the aircraft’s design development, Cessna is soliciting feedback from its Customer Advisory Board (CAB), which gives operators input into the final design
"The flexibility and mission potential for the Cessna SkyCourier is attractive to a wide variety of operators,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Engineering. “The feedback we’re gathering from the CAB is extremely important as we develop an aircraft that is reliable, efficient and meets the diverse requirements of an array of mission profiles.”
Thress also said that the results of the wind tunnel testing enabled Cessna to take the SkyCourier program to the next stage.
"For the initial wind tunnel testing, we use a custom, precision model with electric motors and scaled propellers calibrated to represent the thrust produced by the real aircraft.
“We’re making outstanding progress in the development of this clean-sheet aircraft and are eager to continue defining the details that will allow us to start creating tools and parts.”
The Cessna SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing, large utility turbo-prop that will feature a large cargo door and a flat floor cabin to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers and has a payload capacity of 2700 kg. The passenger version will carry 19 passengers.
The aircraft will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turbo-prop engines giving a 200-kt cruise speed and a 900-nm range
Cessna is confident the SkyCourier will fly next year and is targeting 2020 for the entry into customer service