SkyCourier Completes Initial Ground Engine Tests

Textron Aviation reached a major milestone in its Cessna SkyCourier development program last month with the successful completion of initial ground engine tests on its prototype airplane. The ground tests verified the functionality of the utility twin’s fuel system and two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC 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,” Textron Aviation senior v-p of programs and engineering Chris Hearne said today. “We continue to meet each important milestone in our development schedule, and we look forward to having an outstanding aircraft for our customers.”

Ground tests such as these are increasingly important as new aircraft more completely incorporate engine data with the avionics systems. In the past, more engine testing was performed on test stands, but the large amount of performance data now available electronically in flight has made it more important to perform tests on the wing. 

Officials of the Wichita-based airframer said the development program continues to advance with the assembly of five additional flight and ground test aircraft. Wings were successfully mated to the prototype in December, followed by a powering of its electrical system in January and tail assembly attachment in February. To be offered in configurations as a 6,000-pound freighter, a 19-passenger transport, or as a combination passenger/freighter version, FedEx is the launch customer for the SkyCourier, with 50 firm orders for the airplane and options for 50 more. It will have a maximum cruise speed of 200 ktas and 900-nm range.

FedEx's input figured prominently in the design of the Skycourier, similarly to the design of the Caravan in the early 1980s. FedEx was also the launch customer for Cessna's utility turboprop single, which has since gone on to great success in a number of roles. At a time when light aircraft manufacturing had come to almost a complete standstill, the Caravan program was a shining light in the industry.

Taking square aim at the market for a rugged utility aircraft equally adept at passenger or cargo service, the Skycourier also shows promise for military or special-missions applications. Cessna already markets its Grand Caravan EX as a surveillance aircraft. And the company also has air ambulance versions of most of its turbine-powered aircraft, from the Grand Caravan and King Air series up to the Citation Latitude.