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Textron Aviation has completed initial wind tunnel testing of its new Cessna SkyCourier turboprop twin, the company reported yesterday. Notably, the wind-tunnel model was fitted with electric motors and scaled propellers calibrated to represent the thrust produced by the real aircraft, said Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering Brad Thress.
“We’re making 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,” he said. First flight of the SkyCourier is slated for next year, with service entry planned in 2020.
Since the Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer announced the large utility twin in November, it has seen interest from operators beyond launch customer FedEx Express. The company is also gaining feedback from its customer advisory board (CAB) to affirm what customers need in this segment.
“The flexibility and mission potential for the SkyCourier is attractive to a wide variety of operators,” said Thress. “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.”
Textron Aviation has completed initial wind tunnel testing of its new Cessna SkyCourier turboprop twin, the company reported last month. Notably, the wind-tunnel model was fitted with electric motors and scaled propellers calibrated to represent the thrust produced by the real aircraft, said Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering Brad Thress.
“We’re making 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,” he said. First flight of the SkyCourier is slated for next year, with service entry planned in 2020.
Since the Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer announced the large utility twin in November, it has seen interest from operators beyond launch customer FedEx Express. The company is also gaining feedback from its customer advisory board (CAB) to affirm what customers need in this segment.
“The flexibility and mission potential for the SkyCourier is attractive to a wide variety of operators,” said Thress. “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.”