The Cessna Grand Caravan is a commercial turboprop aircraft manufactured by Textron Aviation. It is primarily used for passenger transport, cargo haulage, and utility missions. The Grand Caravan made its first flight in 1998 and has since become a popular choice for many airlines and organizations due to its reliability, versatility, and efficiency.
The Cessna Grand Caravan's technical specifications include:
The Cessna Grand Caravan features a unique design with a high-wing configuration, providing excellent visibility for the pilots. Its fuselage is constructed from lightweight aluminum, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The aircraft also boasts a state-of-the-art avionics system and a spacious cabin designed to accommodate passengers in comfort.
The Cessna Grand Caravan's development began in the 1990s as an upgrade to the popular Cessna 208 Caravan. Key milestones include:
The Cessna Grand Caravan is used by a variety of airlines and organizations, including:
Here are three interesting facts about the Cessna Grand Caravan:
The key features that set the Cessna Grand Caravan apart from other aircraft include its high-wing configuration, spacious cabin, and efficient turboprop engine.
The estimated cost of a new Cessna Grand Caravan ranges from $2.5 million to $4 million, depending on the configuration and customization.
The Cessna Grand Caravan has a maximum range of up to 2,745 kilometers (1,704 miles), making it an ideal choice for regional airlines and utility operations.
Airlines that operate the Cessna Grand Caravan include Cessna Aircraft Company's own charter operation, as well as smaller regional carriers such as FedEx Express and UPS Airlines.
The Cessna Grand Caravan is no longer in production, but Textron Aviation continues to support existing fleets with parts and maintenance services.