Cessna Skycourier completes ground engine tests

Textron Aviation Inc. has successfully completed initial ground engine tests on the prototype Cessna SkyCourier utility twin-turboprop featuring Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines. The ground engine tests verified the functionality of the fuel system and engines, as well as the interface with the avionics and electrical systems.

“The successful engine run tests are a pivotal step toward proving the maturity of the aircraft and its systems as we prepare for first flight,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Programs and Engineering. “We continue to meet each important milestone in our development schedule, and we look forward to having an outstanding aircraft for our customers.”

The Cessna SkyCourier program continues to advance with assembly of the prototype and additional five flight and ground test articles. The tail was installed to the fuselage in early February 2020. Power to the aircraft’s electrical system was turned on in January, and the wings were successfully mated to the fuselage in December 2019.

The Cessna SkyCourier will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-lb payload freighter, a 19-seat passenger version, or a mixed passenger/freight combination, all based on the common platform.

The Cessna SkyCourier will feature the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and offer highlights such as a maximum cruise speed up to 200ktas and a maximum range of 900nm. Both freighter and passenger variants of the Cessna SkyCourier will offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.