Business & GA

Textron Puts Cessna Sky Courier Through Wind Tunnel Testing

Cessna’s wind tunnel tests will help to shape the final design of the SkyCourier. Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation has completed initial wind tunnel testing of its new twin-engine Cessna SkyCourier turboprop. Results will provide performance and aerodynamic and structural load data to further hone the aircraft design.

“For the initial wind tunnel testing, we use a custom, precision model with electric motors and scaled propellers calibrated to represent the thrust produced by the real aircraft,” said Brad Thress, SVP of engineering.

Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation

The Cessna Sky Courier will have a 900-nm max range and 6,000-lb. payload capacity. The company is anticipating first flight in 2019 with entry into service the following year.

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