Textron Aviation has flown its second Cessna SkyCourier flight test aircraft, ten weeks after the prototype Cessna SkyCourier first took to the skies on 17 May.
The second aircraft is ‘P1’, the first conforming production flight test aircraft. The airframe is configured as a freighter to reflect its expected main market.
The first flight of P1, piloted by Peter Gracey and Todd Dafforn, lasted 1 hour 35 minutes reaching a max altitude of 14,200ft with a max speed of 210ktas. The aircraft will be used for the flight test programme, primarily for systems testing, including propulsion, environmental control and avionics.
“This flight is another important step for the Cessna SkyCourier programme as it will be used primarily for testing aircraft systems like avionics, environmental control and anti-icing,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs.
“Since the debut flight for the prototype aircraft, the team has rapidly moved through testing and has accomplished its goals of initial envelope expansion and handling, including stalls.
“When you consider they have achieved all these milestones despite the many disruptions caused by a global pandemic, it’s quite remarkable. The Cessna SkyCourier programme is heading through the second half of 2020 with a great deal of momentum.”
Since the Cessna SkyCourier prototype completed its first flight in May, the aircraft has successfully completed 38 flights and logged more than 76 flight hours. Through the flights, the team has been able to expand speed and centre-of-gravity envelopes, complete preliminary engine and propeller tests, as well as initial stability and manoeuvrability tests.
The Cessna SkyCourier will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter and a 19-seat passenger version, all based on the common platform.
The aircraft has a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. Maximum cruise speed is 200ktas and maximum range 900nm. The Cessna SkyCourier will include single-point pressure refuelling as standard to enable faster turnarounds.
https://youtu.be/Zv0G7sE0aKQ