Cessna Caravan II Specifications

Background/History

The Reims-Cessna 406 Caravan II is a unpressurized,twin turboprop aircraft manufactured and designed by Reims Aviation, in cooperation with Cessna Aircraft, in France. It is essentially a Cessna 404 with two Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turboprop engines similar to the pressurized Cessna 441. The aircraft first flew in 1983 and is produced by Reims Aviation, which is now a private French manufacturer after buying back the shares held by Cessna in 1989. The 406 is designed for small cargo and passenger transport. Cargo capacity can be increased by using a cargo pod fitted to the belly of the aircraft. It is more expensive to operate than the singled-engine Cessna 208, but the increased reliability makes it more suited for operations over rough terrain or water. With 6-8 seats, VIP cabin equipment and a wide choice in the level of finish available, the EXECUTIVE version of the F406 Commuter provides for passenger transport in comfort.

Power

The 406 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-112 turboprop engines each producing 500shp up to +22C. Engine inspection interval is 3,500 hours.

Avionics

The F406 is available with a myriad of avionics packages. The Silver Crown classic avionics suite and the Silver Crown plus radios are available, as well as EFIS with 2 digit tube displays. Some special use aircraft have been equipped with FMS integrated GPS and GLONASS receiver systems.

Design Features

The F406 Caravan II is a classical aircraft of entirely metal construction with hydraulically-controlled retractable, tricycle landing gear, and low wings. The design limit load factors are 3.31 G’s and -1.37 G’s at maximum takeoff weight. It was designed to offer speed, power, performance, versatility and flexibility. It is certified for day, night, VFR, IFR and flight into icing conditions. The F406 is available in several versions; executive, commuter, cargo and combination to name a few. In its cargo version, or mixed freight and passenger version, with 4-6 seats, it has a large cargo door (4.08 ft x 4.17 ft) that enables fast unloading and loading. The standard pilot entry door gives access to the cockpit without the need to climb over the freight.

Accomodations

In its commuter version, the F406 offers 12 to 14 seats in an airline like travel environment. The cabin is fitted with the equipment needed for passenger comfort and safety: ergonomic seats, wide windows for each seat, air conditioning, lighting, lighted signs, four emergency exits, and a 2.23 m3 (78.75 cu. ft.) baggage locker. An optional 1.3 m3 (45.9 cu. ft.) cargo pod is available to increase transport capacity and carry bulky objects. With 6-8 seats, VIP cabin equipment and a wide choice in the level of finish available, the executive version of the F406 Commuter provides comfortable passenger transport.