Marc Lacoste (talk | contribs) restored deleted referenced info |
Marc Lacoste (talk | contribs) Undid revision 781821263 by Marc Lacoste (talk) no unreferenced info was deleted |
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|produced = 1982-present |
|produced = 1982-present |
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|number built = 2,500<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2015/04/cessna-unveils-new-standard-production-interiors-for-caravan-series |title= Cessna unveils new standard production interiors for Caravan series |date= April 21, 2015 |publisher= [[Cessna]]}}</ref> |
|number built = 2,500<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2015/04/cessna-unveils-new-standard-production-interiors-for-caravan-series |title= Cessna unveils new standard production interiors for Caravan series |date= April 21, 2015 |publisher= [[Cessna]]}}</ref> |
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|unit cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]1.95 million (208 Caravan, |
|unit cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]1.95 million (208 Caravan, 2017)<ref name=BCAir/> <br/> US$2.53 million (208B Grand Caravan EX, 2017)<ref name=BCAir>"2017 Purchase Planning Handbook" p. 88</ref> |
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|variants with their own articles = [[Soloy Pathfinder 21]] |
|variants with their own articles = [[Soloy Pathfinder 21]] |
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}} |
}} |
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop in [[tractor configuration]]. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear but can also be fitted with floats or skis. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors |
The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop in [[tractor configuration]]. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear but can also be fitted with floats or skis. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors: one for each crew member, an airstair door on the right side of the cabin and a cargo door on the left. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with an underslung cargo pod. |
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⚫ | |||
[[File:G-MDJE (9153704192).jpg|thumb|left|Amphibious Caravan taking off on [[Loch Lomond]]]] |
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⚫ | |||
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1340640.jpg|thumb|right| |
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1340640.jpg|thumb|right|Cabin of a passenger-carrying version]] |
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The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as cargo |
The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo compartment. The standard high-density airline configuration has four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two seats in the cockpit. This variant is capable of holding up to thirteen passengers, although it is marketed as being able to make a profit carrying just four.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cessna Caravan. Sure Thing - Airline|publisher=Cessna Inc.|url=http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml#|accessdate= July 19, 2006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629080826/http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml#|archivedate= June 29, 2006}}</ref> The cabin can be configured in a low density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as [[Parachuting|skydiving]] aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door.<ref>{{cite web|title=Skydiving aircraft in use at Netheravon, a UK dropzone|url=http://www.netheravon.com/aircraft.html|accessdate= April 5, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=May 2017}}</ref> |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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[[File:Port side all open FedEx Cessna 208 turbo Caravan (5626160425).jpg|thumb|[[Fedex]] Caravan with cargo pod, doors open]] |
[[File:Port side all open FedEx Cessna 208 turbo Caravan (5626160425).jpg|thumb|[[Fedex]] Caravan with cargo pod, doors open]] |
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The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<ref>Simpson 1992, p. 103</ref> The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration |
The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<ref>Simpson 1992, p. 103</ref> {{citation needed span|The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) in October 1984. Since then, the Caravan has undergone a number of design evolutions. Working with [[FedEx]], Cessna produced first the Cargomaster and followed that with the stretched and upgraded Super Cargomaster. The passenger model, the Grand Caravan, was derived from the Super Cargomaster.|date=May 2017}} In January 2013 a higher-powered (867 shp from P&WC PT6A-140) version, the Grand Caravan EX, received FAA certification.<ref>Pia Bergqvist, ''Cessna Grand Caravan EX Certified'', ''Flying'', March 2013 issue, p. 14</ref> |
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[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1347237.jpg|thumb|right|A Caravan [[cockpit]]]] |
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1347237.jpg|thumb|right|A Caravan [[cockpit]]]] |
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On April 28, 2008, Cessna announced that the [[Garmin G1000]] [[glass cockpit]] will be standard equipment on all new Caravans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cessna Certified to Build Caravans with Garmin G1000, TKS Ice Protection|publisher=Cessna Inc.|url=http://www.cessna.com/news/article.chtml?ID=M8FD18hKcfHm9INZRmOXtY5k7b3Oi74EWFqgkU0f1y9Z8qMKPw|accessdate= June 23, 2008}}</ref> |
On April 28, 2008, Cessna announced that the [[Garmin G1000]] [[glass cockpit]] will be standard equipment on all new Caravans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cessna Certified to Build Caravans with Garmin G1000, TKS Ice Protection|publisher=Cessna Inc.|url=http://www.cessna.com/news/article.chtml?ID=M8FD18hKcfHm9INZRmOXtY5k7b3Oi74EWFqgkU0f1y9Z8qMKPw|accessdate= June 23, 2008}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In August 2016, Textron announced that it would move the Cessna 208 production line from its [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]] headquarters to its [[Independence, Kansas]] production facility, for manufacture alongside along the piston-powered [[Cessna 172|172S Skyhawk]], [[Cessna 182|182T Skylane]], [[Cessna 206|T206H Turbo Stationair]] and [[Cessna TTx]]; and the [[Cessna Citation M2|Citation M2]] light jet. The move was made to make room for the [[Cessna Citation Longitude|Citation Longitude]] and [[Cessna Denali|Denali]] in Wichita.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-08-29/cessna-moving-caravan-production-independence-plant |title= Cessna Moving Caravan Production to Independence Plant |date= August 29, 2016 |work= Aviation International News }}</ref> |
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In May 2012 Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in [[China]]. The government-owned [[China Aviation Industry General Aircraft]] (CAIGA) will conduct final assembly of Caravans at its plant in [[Shijiazhuang]] for the Chinese market.<ref name="Pew03May12">{{cite news |url= http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/cessna_caravan_assembly_china_avic_caiga_206636-1.html|title=Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China|accessdate= May 7, 2012|last=Pew|first=Glenn|date= May 7, 2012|work=AVweb}}</ref> |
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===Chinese production=== |
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⚫ | In August 2016, Textron announced that it |
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In May 2012 Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in China, with the government-owned [[China Aviation Industry General Aircraft]] (CAIGA) conducting final assembly of Caravans at its plant in [[Shijiazhuang]] for the Chinese market.<ref name="Pew03May12">{{cite news |url= http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/cessna_caravan_assembly_china_avic_caiga_206636-1.html|title=Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China|accessdate= May 7, 2012|last=Pew|first=Glenn|date= May 7, 2012|work=AVweb}}</ref> Chinese government approval was granted in September the following year and the first Chinese assembled Caravan was delivered in December 2013.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=http://aviationweek.com/abace-2017/100-caravan-sales-china-cessna-focuses-fleet-support |title=With 100 Caravan Sales In China, Cessna Focuses On Fleet Support |website=Aviation Week |publisher=Penton |date= April 11, 2017 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wynbrandt |first=James |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-13/cessna-highlights-deliveries-first-china-built-xls |title=Cessna highlights deliveries of the first China-built XLS+ |website=AINonline |publisher=The Convention News Company |date= April 13, 2015 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> By April 2016 about 30 aircraft, assembled from kits of parts shipped from the US by Cessna, had been delivered to Chinese operators by the joint venture.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waldron |first=Greg |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/abace-cessna-caravan-powers-ahead-in-china-424134/ |title=ABACE: Cessna Caravan powers ahead in China |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=13 April 2016 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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===Civilian=== |
===Civilian=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Cessna208Caravan.jpg|thumb|right|Austrian-registered 208 Amphibious Caravan with six side windows and wheels down for operating from land]] |
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⚫ | |||
;{{Visible anchor|208 Caravan I}} |
;{{Visible anchor|208 Caravan I}} |
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:First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. |
:First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. Officially named '''Caravan''', it is sometimes known as the '''Caravan I''' to distinguish it from later variants. The landplane variant was type approved on October 23, 1984 and the seaplane version with Wipline Model 8000 Amphibious/Seaplane Floats was type approved on March 26, 1986. Early aircraft can be modified to use the higher-powered PT6A-114A but have restricted operating limits.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} |
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;208 Caravan 675 |
;208 Caravan 675 |
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;208A Cargomaster |
;208A Cargomaster |
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:Developed with [[FedEx]], a pure-cargo version of the Caravan. The "A" designation |
:Developed with [[FedEx]], a pure-cargo version of the Caravan. The "A" designation denotes a specific option package for FedEx aircraft only, not a distinct model. All 208A aircraft were produced and serialized as 208 models. FedEx purchased 40 of this version.<div id="1"></div> |
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⚫ | |||
;{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan}} |
;{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan}} |
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:Officially named the '''208B Caravan''' but marketed as the '''Grand Caravan''' |
:Officially named the '''208B Caravan''' but marketed as the '''Grand Caravan'''. The 208B Grand Caravan is {{convert|4|ft|m|abbr=on}} longer than the 208; extending the cabin by the same amount. The 208B has a [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|PT6A-114A]] engine. It was originally certified as a two-seater cargo version on October 9, 1986 and as a 11-seater passenger aircraft on December 13, 1989.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} |
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;208B Grand Caravan EX |
;208B Grand Caravan EX |
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: |
:Upgraded version of the 208B Caravan certified in December 2012, with a more powerful {{convert|867|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-140 that improves climb by 38% and [[Garmin G1000]] avionics.<ref name="Niles13Jan13">{{cite news|url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna_Caravan_M2_207997-1.html|title=Cessna Certifies New Caravan, Starts M2 Production |accessdate= January 14, 2013|last=Niles|first=Russ|date= January 13, 2013|work=AVweb}}</ref> The unladen weight is {{convert|807|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more but maximum payload is only {{convert|90|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more. While the {{convert|192|hp|kW|abbr=on}} more powerful PT6A-140 gives a {{convert|11|knots|km/h}} higher cruise speed, and better climb - by {{convert|94|ft/min|m/s|convert}}, range is {{convert|964|nmi|km}} less on a similar fuel capacity. It requires a longer take off at {{convert|2,160|ft|m}} and landing at {{convert|1,871|ft|m}}.<ref name=208Bspecs>{{cite web |url= http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/grand-caravan-ex#_model-specs |title= Grand Caravan EX |at= Specifications |publisher= Textron Aviation |accessdate= 13 November 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Cessna 208B Caravan 'N876FE' FedEx (13006463414).jpg|thumb| |
[[File:Cessna 208B Caravan 'N876FE' FedEx (13006463414).jpg|thumb|A Fedex 208B Super Cargomaster]] |
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;208B Super Cargomaster |
;208B Super Cargomaster |
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:Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant. |
:Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} |
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[[File:Cessna208Caravan.jpg|thumb|right|Amphibious Caravan inflight]] |
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;Caravan Amphibian |
;Caravan Amphibian |
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:A 208 or 208B with either [[Wipaire]] 8000 or 8750 [[Floatplane|floats]] in place of the landing gear, for [[water landing]]s or land operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/caravan/caravan-amphibian|title=Caravan Amphibian - Your all purpose aircraft for work or play|work=Cessna|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/192a32692268a04686257f310065fc1a/$FILE/SA1311GL_AML.pdf FAA Approved Model List for Installing Wipaire Floats Models 8000/8750]</ref> |
:A 208 or 208B with either [[Wipaire]] 8000 or 8750 [[Floatplane|floats]] in place of the landing gear, for [[water landing]]s or land operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/caravan/caravan-amphibian|title=Caravan Amphibian - Your all purpose aircraft for work or play|work=Cessna|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/192a32692268a04686257f310065fc1a/$FILE/SA1311GL_AML.pdf FAA Approved Model List for Installing Wipaire Floats Models 8000/8750]</ref> |
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;U-27A |
;U-27A |
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: |
:United States military designation for the Cessna 208. |
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;C-16 |
;C-16 |
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: |
:United States military designation for proposed use by the [[United States Army]]. |
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;C-98 |
;C-98 |
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: |
:[[Brazilian Air Force]] designation for the standard U-27. |
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[[File:An AC-208 fires a Hellfire at practice target.jpg|thumbnail|An [[Iraqi Air Force]] Cessna 208B Grand Caravan launches [[Hellfire missile]]<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSKsrILHxNM|title=Iraqi Air Force AC-208 Caravan Hellfire Shoot|date=15 January 2010|publisher=|accessdate=18 March 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref>]] |
[[File:An AC-208 fires a Hellfire at practice target.jpg|thumbnail|An [[Iraqi Air Force]] Cessna 208B Grand Caravan launches a [[Hellfire missile]]<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSKsrILHxNM|title=Iraqi Air Force AC-208 Caravan Hellfire Shoot|date=15 January 2010|publisher=|accessdate=18 March 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref>]] |
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;AC-208 Combat Caravan |
;AC-208 Combat Caravan |
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:An [[ISTAR]] version built by [[Alliant Techsystems|ATK]] armed with [[Hellfire missile]]s is used by the Iraqi air force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp|title=Iraq to triple its air force with U.S. help by 2010|work=worldtribune.com|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm Lebaneseairforce.info] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322122057/http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |date=March 22, 2009 }}</ref> The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it [[Anbar clashes (2013–14)|against insurgents in Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cenciotti |first=David |url=http://theaviationist.com/tag/ac-208-combat-caravan/ |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan |publisher=The Aviationist |date=2014-01-10 |accessdate=2014-03-17}}</ref> One aircraft crashed in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-army-plane-crashes-3-crew-missing-military-140009203.html|title=Iraqi army plane crashes, IS claims downing it|date=16 March 2016|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> |
:An [[ISTAR]] version built by [[Alliant Techsystems|ATK]] armed with [[Hellfire missile]]s is used by the Iraqi air force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp|title=Iraq to triple its air force with U.S. help by 2010|work=worldtribune.com|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm Lebaneseairforce.info] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322122057/http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |date=March 22, 2009 }}</ref> The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it [[Anbar clashes (2013–14)|against insurgents in Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cenciotti |first=David |url=http://theaviationist.com/tag/ac-208-combat-caravan/ |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan |publisher=The Aviationist |date=2014-01-10 |accessdate=2014-03-17}}</ref> One aircraft crashed in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-army-plane-crashes-3-crew-missing-military-140009203.html|title=Iraqi army plane crashes, IS claims downing it|date=16 March 2016|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> |
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:The Lebanese Air Force requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the |
:The Lebanese Air Force requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the 208 it already operated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/14113-us-to-deliver-armed-aircraft-to-lebanon|title=US to deliver armed aircraft to Lebanon|work=Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> |
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:Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.<ref>[http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ AC-208 Combat Caravan's For Africa And The Middle East] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205015320/http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |date=December 5, 2014 }}</ref> |
:Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.<ref>[http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ AC-208 Combat Caravan's For Africa And The Middle East] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205015320/http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |date=December 5, 2014 }}</ref> |
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==Operators== |
==Operators== |
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[[File:Quick Exit over Cloud Gap (6367738627).jpg|thumb|[[ |
[[File:Quick Exit over Cloud Gap (6367738627).jpg|thumb|Caravan engaged in [[parachuting]] operations]] |
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{{main article|List of Cessna 208 Caravan operators}} |
{{main article|List of Cessna 208 Caravan operators}} |
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===Civil operators=== |
===Civil operators=== |
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[[File:RCMP Cessna Caravan on Floats.JPG|thumb|right|A [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] 208 Caravan on amphibious floats]] |
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The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. [[FedEx Express]] operates 239 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://s1.q4cdn.com/714383399/files/doc_downloads/statistical/2017/FedEx-Q1-FY17-Stat-Book.pdf |title= Financial and Operating Statistics |publisher= FedEx Corporation |date= September 20, 2016 }}</ref> |
The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. [[FedEx Express]] operates 239 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://s1.q4cdn.com/714383399/files/doc_downloads/statistical/2017/FedEx-Q1-FY17-Stat-Book.pdf |title= Financial and Operating Statistics |publisher= FedEx Corporation |date= September 20, 2016 }}</ref> |
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==Specifications (208 Caravan)== |
==Specifications (208 Caravan)== |
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[[File:Bottom View of Avanti Aviation Cessna 208B Caravan B-23063 Flight over Yuanshan Park 20150201 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Viewed from below]] |
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[[File:Die Cessna 208B Grand Caravan landet auf der ILA - The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan lands at -ILA (14248417572).jpg|thumb|front view]] |
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{{Aircraft specs |
{{Aircraft specs |
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{{reflist|2}} |
{{reflist|2}} |
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* {{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=2017 Business Airplanes Purchase Planning Handbook |magazine=Business & Commercial Aviation |pages=72-102 |publisher=Penton |date=May 2017 |access-date=23 May 2017}} |
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*{{cite book|title=Airlife's General Aviation|last=Simpson|first=R.W.|publisher=Airlife Publishing|location=Shrewsbury, England|date=1991|isbn=1 85310 194 X}} |
*{{cite book|title=Airlife's General Aviation|last=Simpson|first=R.W.|publisher=Airlife Publishing|location=Shrewsbury, England|date=1991|isbn=1 85310 194 X}} |
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Revision as of 12:25, 23 May 2017
Cessna 208 Caravan | |
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208B Grand Caravan with cargo pod | |
Role | Light turboprop transport |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Cessna |
First flight | December 9, 1982 |
Introduction | 1984 |
Status | In production |
Primary users | FedEx Feeder Brazilian Air Force Afghan National Army Air Force Colombian Air Force |
Produced | 1982-present |
Number built | 2,500[1] |
Variants | Soloy Pathfinder 21 |
The Cessna 208 Caravan is an American single-engined turboprop, fixed-tricycle landing gear, short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft that is built by Cessna. The airplane typically seats nine passengers with a single pilot, although with a FAR Part 23 waiver it can seat up to fourteen passengers. The aircraft is also used for cargo operations.
Design
The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop in tractor configuration. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear but can also be fitted with floats or skis. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors: one for each crew member, an airstair door on the right side of the cabin and a cargo door on the left. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with an underslung cargo pod.
The basic 208 airframe can be outfitted with various types of landing gear, allowing it to operate in a wide variety of environments. Some common adaptations include skis, enlarged tires for unprepared runways, and floats on the Caravan Amphibian model.
The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo compartment. The standard high-density airline configuration has four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two seats in the cockpit. This variant is capable of holding up to thirteen passengers, although it is marketed as being able to make a profit carrying just four.[2] The cabin can be configured in a low density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft.[citation needed] Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as skydiving aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door.[3]
Development
The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.[4] The production model was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 1984. Since then, the Caravan has undergone a number of design evolutions. Working with FedEx, Cessna produced first the Cargomaster and followed that with the stretched and upgraded Super Cargomaster. The passenger model, the Grand Caravan, was derived from the Super Cargomaster.[citation needed] In January 2013 a higher-powered (867 shp from P&WC PT6A-140) version, the Grand Caravan EX, received FAA certification.[5]
On April 28, 2008, Cessna announced that the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit will be standard equipment on all new Caravans.[6]
In August 2016, Textron announced that it would move the Cessna 208 production line from its Wichita headquarters to its Independence, Kansas production facility, for manufacture alongside along the piston-powered 172S Skyhawk, 182T Skylane, T206H Turbo Stationair and Cessna TTx; and the Citation M2 light jet. The move was made to make room for the Citation Longitude and Denali in Wichita.[7]
Chinese production
In May 2012 Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in China, with the government-owned China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) conducting final assembly of Caravans at its plant in Shijiazhuang for the Chinese market.[8] Chinese government approval was granted in September the following year and the first Chinese assembled Caravan was delivered in December 2013.[9][10] By April 2016 about 30 aircraft, assembled from kits of parts shipped from the US by Cessna, had been delivered to Chinese operators by the joint venture.[11]
Variants
Civilian
- 208 Caravan I
- First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. Officially named Caravan, it is sometimes known as the Caravan I to distinguish it from later variants. The landplane variant was type approved on October 23, 1984 and the seaplane version with Wipline Model 8000 Amphibious/Seaplane Floats was type approved on March 26, 1986. Early aircraft can be modified to use the higher-powered PT6A-114A but have restricted operating limits.[citation needed]
- 208 Caravan 675
- Marketing designation for the 208 Caravan with a higher-powered PT6A-114A engine.[citation needed]
- 208A Cargomaster
- Developed with FedEx, a pure-cargo version of the Caravan. The "A" designation denotes a specific option package for FedEx aircraft only, not a distinct model. All 208A aircraft were produced and serialized as 208 models. FedEx purchased 40 of this version.
- 208B Grand Caravan
- Officially named the 208B Caravan but marketed as the Grand Caravan. The 208B Grand Caravan is 4 ft (1.2 m) longer than the 208; extending the cabin by the same amount. The 208B has a PT6A-114A engine. It was originally certified as a two-seater cargo version on October 9, 1986 and as a 11-seater passenger aircraft on December 13, 1989.[citation needed]
- 208B Grand Caravan EX
- Upgraded version of the 208B Caravan certified in December 2012, with a more powerful 867 hp (647 kW) Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-140 that improves climb by 38% and Garmin G1000 avionics.[12] The unladen weight is 807 lb (366 kg) more but maximum payload is only 90 lb (41 kg) more. While the 192 hp (143 kW) more powerful PT6A-140 gives a 11 knots (20 km/h) higher cruise speed, and better climb - by 94 feet per minute (0.48 m/s)*, range is 964 nautical miles (1,785 km) less on a similar fuel capacity. It requires a longer take off at 2,160 feet (660 m) and landing at 1,871 feet (570 m).[13]
- 208B Super Cargomaster
- Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant.[citation needed]
- Caravan Amphibian
- A 208 or 208B with either Wipaire 8000 or 8750 floats in place of the landing gear, for water landings or land operations.[14][15]
After-market variants
Production aircraft modified after delivery by Supplemental Type Certificate:
- Soloy Pathfinder 21
- A twin-engined stretch of the 208 that was developed by the Soloy Corporation. This aircraft features two PT6D-114A engines driving a single propeller and a 70-inch (1,800 mm) fuselage stretch behind the wing.[16]
- 850 Caravan
- 208 with an 850 hp (634 kW) Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701S engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.[17]
- 950 Grand Caravan
- 208B with a 1,000 hp (746 kW) Honeywell TPE331-12JR-704AT engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.[17]
- Blackhawk Caravan
- 208 and 208B conversion to 850 hp (634 kW) PT-6A-42A.[18]
- Supervan 900
- 208B with a 850 hp (634 kW) (900 hp (671 kW) flat-rated) Honeywell TPE331-12JR engine, installed by Texas Turbine[19]
- XP42A Upgrade
- 208B with an 850 hp (634 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine, installed by Blackhawk[20]
Military
- U-27A
- United States military designation for the Cessna 208.
- C-16
- United States military designation for proposed use by the United States Army.
- C-98
- Brazilian Air Force designation for the standard U-27.
- AC-208 Combat Caravan
- An ISTAR version built by ATK armed with Hellfire missiles is used by the Iraqi air force.[22][23] The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it against insurgents in Anbar province.[24] One aircraft crashed in March 2016.[25]
- The Lebanese Air Force requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the 208 it already operated.[26]
- Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.[27]
Operators
Civil operators
The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. FedEx Express operates 239 aircraft.[28]
Military operators
A total of 134 Cessna 208s were in military service in 2016.[29]
Specifications (208 Caravan)
Data from Cessna Textron[30]
General characteristics
- Crew: one or two
- Capacity: nine passengers or 13 with FAR Part 23 waiver
- Length: 37 ft 7 in (11.46 m)
- Wingspan: 52 ft 1 in (15.87 m)
- Height: 14 ft 11 in (4.53 m)
- Wing area: 279 sq ft (25.96 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 9.702
- Airfoil: wing root: NACA 23017.424, wing tip: NACA 23012[31]
- Empty weight: 4,730 lb (2,145 kg)
- Gross weight: 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) maximum landing weight : 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 2,224 lb (1,009 kg)/332 gal (1,257 l)
- Cabin Height: 54 in (1.37 m)
- Cabin Width: 64 in (1.63 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A turboprop, 675 shp (503 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed McCauley Constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch
Performance
- Cruise speed: 214 mph (344 km/h, 186 kn) true air speed
- Stall speed: 70 mph (113 km/h, 61 kn) calibrated air speed
- Range: 1,232 mi (1,982 km, 1,070 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,234 ft/min (6.27 m/s)
- Wing loading: 28.674 lb/sq ft (139.792 kg/m2)
Avionics
- Garmin G1000 with GFC700 integrated digital automatic flight control system
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ "Cessna unveils new standard production interiors for Caravan series" (Press release). Cessna. April 21, 2015.
- ^ "Cessna Caravan. Sure Thing - Airline". Cessna Inc. Archived from the original on June 29, 2006. Retrieved July 19, 2006.
- ^ "Skydiving aircraft in use at Netheravon, a UK dropzone". Retrieved April 5, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Simpson 1992, p. 103
- ^ Pia Bergqvist, Cessna Grand Caravan EX Certified, Flying, March 2013 issue, p. 14
- ^ "Cessna Certified to Build Caravans with Garmin G1000, TKS Ice Protection". Cessna Inc. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
- ^ "Cessna Moving Caravan Production to Independence Plant". Aviation International News. August 29, 2016.
- ^ Pew, Glenn (May 7, 2012). "Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China". AVweb. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- ^ "With 100 Caravan Sales In China, Cessna Focuses On Fleet Support". Aviation Week. Penton. April 11, 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- ^ Wynbrandt, James (April 13, 2015). "Cessna highlights deliveries of the first China-built XLS+". AINonline. The Convention News Company. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- ^ Waldron, Greg (13 April 2016). "ABACE: Cessna Caravan powers ahead in China". FlightGlobal. Reed Business Information. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- ^ Niles, Russ (January 13, 2013). "Cessna Certifies New Caravan, Starts M2 Production". AVweb. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ "Grand Caravan EX". Textron Aviation. Specifications. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ "Caravan Amphibian - Your all purpose aircraft for work or play". Cessna. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ FAA Approved Model List for Installing Wipaire Floats Models 8000/8750
- ^ "The Soloy Pathfinder 21". Soloy Corporation. 2000 [1999]. Retrieved July 19, 2006.
- ^ a b 850 Caravan Archived August 31, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ^ Thomas Horne. "Blackhawk Boost". AOPA Pilot: T-11.
- ^ Supervan 900 Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ^ XP42A Upgrade Archived May 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ^ Iraqi Air Force AC-208 Caravan Hellfire Shoot. 15 January 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Iraq to triple its air force with U.S. help by 2010". worldtribune.com. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ Lebaneseairforce.info Archived March 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Cenciotti, David (2014-01-10). "AC-208 Combat Caravan". The Aviationist. Retrieved 2014-03-17.
- ^ "Iraqi army plane crashes, IS claims downing it". Yahoo News. 16 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ "US to deliver armed aircraft to Lebanon". Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ AC-208 Combat Caravan's For Africa And The Middle East Archived December 5, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Financial and Operating Statistics" (PDF). FedEx Corporation. September 20, 2016.
- ^ Craig Hoyle (2016). "World Air Forces Directory 2017". FlightGlobal.
- ^ "Caravan Specifications". Cessna.
- ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- "2017 Business Airplanes Purchase Planning Handbook". Business & Commercial Aviation. Penton. May 2017. pp. 72–102.
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(help) - Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury, England: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1 85310 194 X.