Back in the mid-1980s, the think tank at Cessna® Aircraft Company had an idea for a new single-engine, high-wing turboprop that would meet the growing needs of government, military, and humanitarian agencies around the world.
At about the same time, FedEx® founder Fred Smith was looking for a rugged and reliable large-cabin utility airplane that would enable the overnight- delivery company to cost-effectively serve smaller, rural communities.
“It has a vast interior, a Pratt & Whitney® Canada PT6A engine, low operating costs and can operate off of short, unimproved runways,” says Lori Melton, Textron Aviation’s Manager, Product Marketing, Turboprops, and Pistons. “Put it all together, and the Cessna Caravan® aircraft was developed with companies like FedEx in mind."
The result of the carrier’s need finally finding its solution was FedEx’s order for 30 Caravan aircraft in 1985. It was quite a large order at that time. Today, with 38 Caravan and 229 Grand Caravan turboprops in its fleet, FedEx is the type’s largest operator.
As impressive as that is, the FedEx fleet represents just a fraction of the Caravan aircraft around the world.
In fact, Melton says that in its nearly 40-year production run, Textron Aviation has delivered over 3,000 of the various Caravan aircraft models. And all told, the global fleet has amassed over 25 million flight hours. Now, that is saying something.
When You’re Right, You’re Right
Looking back, it’s safe to say that when the first Cessna Caravan 208 turboprop rolled out of the Wichita factory in 1984, no one there would have predicted that the Caravan aircraft would achieve such noteworthy numbers. The market for single-engine utility airplanes was only so big, right?
Well, if general aviation history shows us anything, Cessna Aircraft Company knew a thing or two about introducing the right airplane with the right capabilities at the right time. It turns out Caravan aircraft are great at doing more than toting packages.
“Owners have always chosen the Caravan aircraft for a lot of reasons,” Melton explains. “It’s an amazing airplane that can be whatever you want it to be. It’s at home carrying freight or a cabin full of people, or just going off to your favorite weekend getaway, all with low operating costs.
“Pilots love it because even with its size—it’s a big airplane—it handles like an upsized Cessna Skylane 182 piston,” she continues. “It’s stable and predictable. The PT6A engine is as reliable as they come, and they’re easy to operate and maintain.”
Speaking of maintenance, one of the original goals of the Caravan aircraft design team was to make its rugged airframe as easy to inspect and maintain as the aforementioned Cessna Skylane 182 piston. And that commitment hasn’t changed at all during the 208 and Caravan family of aircraft’s long history.
But when you do need maintenance, you’ll appreciate Textron Aviation’s extensive global service network. With the farthest-reaching network of company-owned service centers and over 30 mobile service and line station locations, support is available wherever you need it.
No runway? No problem:
The Caravan aircraft is as versatile as it is economical.
“It’s a super-capable airplane that’s purpose-built for operating off of gravel, dirt, grass, concrete, or water,” Melton says.
“The Caravan aircraft cabin amenities are just as rugged and flexible as the airplane itself,” she continues. “The Caravan family of aircraft are both certified for up to 14 occupants, depending on local aviation regulations. And both models have seats that are easy to remove should you need room for carry-on cargo.”
But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress the airplane up if you’re so inclined – elegant and comfortable cabin upgrades are available.
Of course, even though a rugged airframe, beefy landing gear, and big amphibious floats are key to your off-airport adventures, you’ll still need the power to get it all airborne. You’ll have it with the Caravan aircraft, which has come a long way since it was introduced with a 600-shp PT6A. Today, the standard model is powered by a 675-shp PT6A-114A, and the Grand Caravan EX aircraft is propelled by an 867-shp PT6A-140.
The Elephant in the Cabin
Even in the 21st century, African elephant poaching is a major environmental problem. And, in the Nairobi National Park in Kenya, when their mothers are killed, orphaned elephant calves are left helpless unless an outside force steps in.
Luckily, that “outside force” is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Orphan’s Project Sky Vets and its Cessna Caravan turboprop.
In many instances, the injured animals are weak and dehydrated, and their conditions demand immediate emergency medical treatment. That can be accomplished only through quick transportation from extremely remote locations, and that requires a very capable aircraft.
The organization says that with the ability to carry a lot of contents off unimproved strips, the Caravan aircraft is the most efficient and effective way to transport the calves to their care center safely.
The aircraft’s large doors and spacious cabin can accommodate not only the calves—some weighing up to 300 pounds—but also the medical team and all the specialized equipment needed for the young elephants to have the best chance at survival.
The capability and versatility of the Caravan aircraft allow the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to find the elephants that need assistance and deliver them to safety.
Getting Better Every Day
At first glance, you may not think today’s Caravan family of turboprops differs much from the 1985 model. It does look the same, thanks to its design being spot-on from the beginning. But Melton stresses that its utilitarian looks can be deceiving. The Caravan turboprop you see today is the result of continual refining to its airframe, engine, and avionics throughout its nearly 40-year production run.
In fact, the cockpit is where you’ll find the most significant and beneficial upgrades—improvements that make today’s Caravan family of turboprops the most capable of all.
“New Caravan and Grand Caravan aircraft feature the Garmin® G1000® NXi avionics suite, which is what pilots want, and that brings a great deal of functionality to an already extremely capable airplane,” Melton says. “Plus, you can add options like Garmin’s enhanced flight control system, terrain awareness and warning system, digital weather radar, and Iridium® connectivity.
“And that’s just the avionics,” she continues. “There are so many options ranging from exterior paint graphics to interior finishings and cargo options available on the Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft. No matter what an owner wants, there’s a Caravan aircraft to meet their needs. It’s been that way from the beginning, and Textron Aviation continues to invest in the Caravan family of products to ensure that doesn’t change.”