Textron Aviation announced in late December that it has mated the wings and the fuselage of the first Cessna SkyCourier prototype.
The SkyCourier is a twin utility turbo-prop aircraft designed for short-haul passenger and cargo operations. The first examples are destined for launch customer FedEx.
“As expected, the operation was sound as the wings were secured on the fuselage and the new Cessna SkyCourier took another major step in its development,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Programs and Engineering.
“The Cessna SkyCourier’s rugged, high-wing design will give the aircraft excellent operational and performance characteristics for its diverse mission profile.”
The development program is progressing well according to Cessna, with the assembly of the prototype and additional five flight and ground test articles. Landing gear testing continues as well as avionics ground testing.
Cessna opted for a combination of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65B 1100-shp engines and the new McCauley 110-inch propeller to power the SkyCourier.
The company expects the first flight will occur in 2020.