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|status= In service
|status= In service
|primary user= [[FedEx Feeder]]
|primary user= [[FedEx Feeder]]
|more users= {{ubl|[[Brazilian Air Force]]|[[Afghan Air Force]]|[[Colombian Air Force]]}}
|more users= {{ubl|[[Brazilian Air Force]]|[[Afghan Air Force]]|[[Colombian Aerospace Force]]}}
|produced= 1982–present
|produced= 1982–present
|number built= 2,600 (Nov 2017)<ref name=Textron14nov2017/>
|number built= 3,000 (2022)<ref name=Textron13jan2023 />
|variants with their own articles= [[Soloy Pathfinder 21]]
|variants with their own articles= [[Soloy Pathfinder 21]]
}}
}}
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The '''Cessna 208 Caravan''' is a [[utility aircraft]] produced by [[Cessna]].
The '''Cessna 208 Caravan''' is a [[utility aircraft]] produced by [[Cessna]].
<!--Development-->
<!--Development-->
The project was commenced on November 20, 1981,<!--ref name=Rodengen1998/--> and the prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<!--ref>Simpson 1992, p. 103</ref-->
The project was commenced on November 20, 1981,<!--ref name=Rodengen1998/--> and the prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<!--Simpson 1992, p. 103-->
The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] in October 1984 and its Cargomaster freighter variant was developed for [[FedEx]]<!--ref name=Fraw76/-->.
The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] in October 1984 and its Cargomaster freighter variant was developed for [[FedEx]].<!--Fraw76-->
The {{cvt|4|ft}} longer 208B Super Cargomaster first flew in 1986 and was developed into the passenger 208B Grand Caravan.<!--ref name=Fraw76/-->
The {{cvt|4|ft}} longer 208B Super Cargomaster first flew in 1986 and was developed into the passenger 208B Grand Caravan.<ref name=Fraw76 />


<!--design-->
<!--Design-->
The [[Bracing (aeronautics)|strutted]], [[high wing]] 208 typically seats nine passengers in its [[Cabin pressurization|unpressurized]] cabin, is powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] tractor [[turboprop]] and has a fixed [[tricycle landing gear]], [[Floatplane|floats]] or skis.
The [[Bracing (aeronautics)|strutted]], [[high wing]] 208 typically seats nine passengers in its [[Cabin pressurization|unpressurized]] cabin, is powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] tractor [[turboprop]] and has a fixed [[tricycle landing gear]], [[Floatplane|floats]], or skis.<ref name=Textron14nov2017 />
<!-- op history -->
By November 2017, 2,600 have been delivered and 20 million flight hours logged.<!--ref name=Textron14nov2017-->
Caravans are used for [[flight training]], [[commuter airline]]s, [[VIP transport]], [[air cargo]] and [[humanitarian]] missions.<!--ref name=Textron14nov2017-->


<!--Operations-->
==Development==
By 2022, 3,000 had been delivered<!--Textron13jan2023/--> and 24 million flight hours have been logged.{{Cn|date=December 2023}}
Caravans have been used for [[flight training]], [[commuter airline]]s, [[VIP transport]], [[air cargo]], and [[humanitarian]] missions.<!--Textron14nov2017-->

== Development ==
[[File:Port side all open FedEx Cessna 208 turbo Caravan (5626160425).jpg|thumb|A [[FedEx]] Super Cargomaster with cargo pod. The Cargomaster and Super Cargomaster variants are built without cabin windows.]]
[[File:Port side all open FedEx Cessna 208 turbo Caravan (5626160425).jpg|thumb|A [[FedEx]] Super Cargomaster with cargo pod. The Cargomaster and Super Cargomaster variants are built without cabin windows.]]
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1347237.jpg|thumb|right|Cockpit of a pre-2008 Caravan]]
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1347237.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a pre-2008 Caravan.]]
On November 20, 1981, the project was given a go-ahead by Cessna for its Pawnee engineering facility. John Berwick, chief engineer at Pawnee, conceived of a single engine, high-wing airplane with a large payload. Berwick had originally approached Vice President Bill Boettger with the idea and once [[Dwane Wallace]] approved it, Berwick told [[Russell W. Meyer Jr.|Russ Meyer]] he would design it.<ref name=Rodengen1998 />


The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=R.W. |title=Airlife's General Aviation |date=1991 |publisher=Airlife Publishing |isbn=1-85310-194-X |location=Shrewsbury, England |page=103}}</ref> The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) in October 1984.<ref name=Fraw76 />
On November 20, 1981, the project was given a go-ahead by Cessna for its Pawnee engineering facility. John Berwick, chief engineer at Pawnee, came with a concept of a single engine, high-wing airplane with a large payload. Berwick had originally approached VP Bill Boettger{{who|date=March 2019}} with the idea and once [[Dwane Wallace]] approved it, Berwick told [[Russell W. Meyer Jr.|Russ Meyer]] he would design it.<ref name=Rodengen1998/>


The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.<ref>{{cite book|title=Airlife's General Aviation|last=Simpson|first=R.W.|publisher=Airlife Publishing|location=Shrewsbury, England|date=1991|isbn=1-85310-194-X|page=103}}</ref> The production model was certified by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) in October 1984.<ref name=Fraw76/> A freighter variant without cabin windows was developed at the request of [[FedEx|Federal Express]] as the Cargomaster.<ref name=Fraw76/> Another cargo variant for Federal Express, with a longer fuselage and a cargo pod under the belly, was developed as the 208B Super Cargomaster and flew for the first time in 1986.<ref name=Fraw76/>
Deliveries began in 1985, and [[Aircraft floats|amphibious floats]] were approved that same year.<ref name=Textron13jan2023 /> A freighter variant without cabin windows was developed at the request of [[FedEx|Federal Express]] as the Cargomaster.<ref name=Fraw76 /> FedEx had been initially planning to build twin-engine piston-powered airplanes with [[Piper Aircraft]], but picked the Caravan after surveying it and having flown the prototype, becoming its standard carrier.<ref name="Rodengen1998">{{Cite book |last=Jeffrey L. Rodengen |url=https://archive.org/details/legendofcessna0000rode/page/205 |title=The Legend of Cessna |date=1998 |publisher=Write Stuff Enterprises |isbn=0-945903-30-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/legendofcessna0000rode/page/205 205]}}</ref>
FedEx was initially planning to build twin-engine piston-powered airplanes with [[Piper Aircraft]], but picked the Caravan after surveying it and having flown the prototype, becoming its standard carrier.<ref name=Rodengen1998>{{cite book |title= The Legend of Cessna |author= Jeffrey L. Rodengen |date= 1998 |publisher= Write Stuff Enterprises |page= [https://archive.org/details/legendofcessna0000rode/page/205 205] |isbn= 0945903308 |url= https://archive.org/details/legendofcessna0000rode/page/205 }}</ref>


Another cargo variant for Federal Express, with a longer fuselage and a cargo pod under the belly, was developed as the 208B Super Cargomaster and flew for the first time in 1986.<ref name=Fraw76 /> Stretched by {{cvt|4|feet}}, it received its FAA type certification also in 1986.<ref name=Textron13jan2023 />
A passenger model, the 208B Grand Caravan, was derived from the Super Cargomaster.<ref name=Fraw76>{{cite book|last=Frawley |first=Gerald |title=The International Directory of Civil Aircraft 1997/98 |publisher=Aerospace Publications |location=Fyshwick ACT |date=1997 |isbn=1-875671-26-9|page=76}}</ref> Since then, the Caravan has undergone a number of design evolutions, including upgrading the avionics in 2008 to provide a [[glass cockpit]] with the [[Garmin G1000]] system.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goyer |first=Robert |title=Cessna Caravan Perfected? |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/cessna-caravan-perfected |website=Flying |publisher=Flying Magazine |date=April 26, 2008 |access-date=23 May 2017 }}</ref> In January 2013 a higher-powered (867 shp from P&WC PT6A-140) version, the Grand Caravan EX, received FAA certification.<ref>Pia Bergqvist, ''Cessna Grand Caravan EX Certified'', ''Flying'', March 2013 issue, p. 14</ref>
A passenger model, the 208B Grand Caravan, was derived from the Super Cargomaster.<ref name="Fraw76">{{Cite book |last=Frawley |first=Gerald |title=The International Directory of Civil Aircraft 1997/98 |date=1997 |publisher=Aerospace Publications |isbn=1-875671-26-9 |location=Fyshwick ACT |page=76}}</ref>
It was first delivered in 1990.<ref name=Textron13jan2023 />


Since then, the Caravan has undergone a number of design evolutions, including upgrading the avionics in 2008 to provide a [[glass cockpit]] with the [[Garmin G1000]] system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goyer |first=Robert |date=April 26, 2008 |title=Cessna Caravan Perfected? |work=Flying |publisher=Flying Magazine |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/cessna-caravan-perfected |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> In January 2013 a higher-powered (867 shp from P&WC PT6A-140) version, the Grand Caravan EX, received FAA certification.<ref>Pia Bergqvist, ''Cessna Grand Caravan EX Certified'', ''Flying'', March 2013 issue, p. 14</ref>
In August 2016, Textron announced that it would move the Cessna 208 production line from its [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]] headquarters to its [[Independence, Kansas]], production facility, for manufacture alongside along the piston-powered [[Cessna 172|172]], [[Cessna 182|182]], [[Cessna 206|206]] and [[Cessna TTx|TTx]]; and the [[Cessna Citation M2|Citation M2]] light jet. The move was made to make room for production of the [[Cessna Citation Longitude|Citation Longitude]] and [[Cessna Denali|Denali]] in Wichita.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-08-29/cessna-moving-caravan-production-independence-plant |title= Cessna Moving Caravan Production to Independence Plant |date= August 29, 2016 |work= Aviation International News }}</ref>
In 2021, the 208 Caravan unit cost was [[United States dollar|US$]]2.45 million and US$2.845 million for the 208B Grand Caravan EX.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-turboprops-1hxr4zx0x1eko6y?live |title= Purchase planning handbook - turboprops table |date= Second Quarter 2021 |work= Business & Commercial Aircraft}}</ref>


In August 2016, Textron announced that it would move the Cessna 208 production line from its [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]] headquarters to its [[Independence, Kansas]], production facility, for manufacture alongside along the piston-powered [[Cessna 172|172]], [[Cessna 182|182]], [[Cessna 206|206]] and [[Cessna TTx|TTx]], and the [[Cessna Citation M2|Citation M2]] light jet. The move was made to make room for production of the [[Cessna Citation Longitude|Citation Longitude]] and [[Cessna Denali|Denali]] in Wichita.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2016 |title=Cessna Moving Caravan Production to Independence Plant |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-08-29/cessna-moving-caravan-production-independence-plant |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>
===Chinese production===
In 2023, the 208 Caravan unit cost was [[United States dollar|US$]]2.32 million and US$2.61 million for the 208B Grand Caravan EX.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Second Quarter 2023 |title=Purchase planning handbook – turboprops table |work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology|Business & Commercial Aviation]] |url=https://infogram.com/bca-table-2023-turboprops-1ho16vorwrxm84n}}</ref>
In May 2012 Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in China, with the government-owned [[China Aviation Industry General Aircraft]] (CAIGA) conducting final assembly of Caravans at its plant in [[Shijiazhuang]] for the Chinese market.<ref name="Pew03May12">{{cite news |url= http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/cessna_caravan_assembly_china_avic_caiga_206636-1.html|title=Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China|access-date= May 7, 2012|last=Pew|first=Glenn|date= May 7, 2012|work=AVweb}}</ref> Chinese government approval was granted in September the following year and the first Chinese-assembled Caravan was delivered in December 2013.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=http://aviationweek.com/abace-2017/100-caravan-sales-china-cessna-focuses-fleet-support |title=With 100 Caravan Sales In China, Cessna Focuses On Fleet Support |website=Aviation Week |publisher=Penton |date= April 11, 2017 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wynbrandt |first=James |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-13/cessna-highlights-deliveries-first-china-built-xls |title=Cessna highlights deliveries of the first China-built XLS+ |website=AINonline |publisher=The Convention News Company |date= April 13, 2015 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> By April 2016 about 30 aircraft, assembled from kits of parts shipped from the US by Cessna, had been delivered to Chinese operators by the joint venture.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waldron |first=Greg |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/abace-cessna-caravan-powers-ahead-in-china-424134/ |title=ABACE: Cessna Caravan powers ahead in China |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=13 April 2016 |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref>


=== Chinese production ===
==Design==
In May 2012, Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in China, with the government-owned [[China Aviation Industry General Aircraft]] (CAIGA) conducting final assembly of Caravans at its plant in [[Shijiazhuang]] for the Chinese market.<ref name="Pew03May12">{{Cite news |last=Pew |first=Glenn |date=May 7, 2012 |title=Cessna Caravans Final Assembly In China |work=AVweb |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/cessna_caravan_assembly_china_avic_caiga_206636-1.html |access-date=May 7, 2012}}</ref> Chinese government approval was granted in September the following year and the first Chinese-assembled Caravan was delivered in December 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=April 11, 2017 |title=With 100 Caravan Sales In China, Cessna Focuses On Fleet Support |work=Aviation Week |publisher=Penton |url=http://aviationweek.com/abace-2017/100-caravan-sales-china-cessna-focuses-fleet-support |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wynbrandt |first=James |date=April 13, 2015 |title=Cessna highlights deliveries of the first China-built XLS+ |work=AINonline |publisher=The Convention News Company |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-13/cessna-highlights-deliveries-first-china-built-xls |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> By April 2016 about 30 aircraft, assembled from kits of parts shipped from the US by Cessna, had been delivered to Chinese operators by the joint venture.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=13 April 2016 |title=ABACE: Cessna Caravan powers ahead in China |work=FlightGlobal |publisher=Reed Business Information |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/abace-cessna-caravan-powers-ahead-in-china-424134/ |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1340640.jpg|thumb|right|Low-density seating in the cabin of a passenger-carrying version]]


== Design ==
The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop in [[tractor configuration]]. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors: one for each crew member, an airstair door on the right side of the cabin and a cargo door on the left. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with an underslung cargo pod.
[[File:Cessna 208 Caravan I, Seawings (Jet-Ops) AN1340640.jpg|thumb|Low-density seating in the cabin of a passenger-carrying version.]]
The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6]]A turboprop in [[tractor configuration]]. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors: one for each crew member, an airstair door on the right side of the cabin and a cargo door on the left. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with an underslung cargo pod.<ref name=Textron14nov2017 />


The basic 208 [[airframe]] has a fixed [[tricycle landing gear]] but can also be fitted with various types of [[landing gear]], allowing it to operate in a wide variety of environments. Some common adaptations include [[Floatplane|floats]] with retractable landing gear on the Caravan Amphibian model, and skis.<ref name=Fraw76/>
The basic 208 [[airframe]] has a fixed [[tricycle landing gear]] but can also be fitted with various types of [[landing gear]], allowing it to operate in a wide variety of environments. Some common adaptations include [[Floatplane|floats]] with retractable landing gear on the Caravan Amphibian model, and skis.<ref name=Fraw76 />


[[File:Cessna 208B Grand Caravan PH-PPS take off at Teuge 07March2009.jpg|thumb|208B Grand Caravan in the Netherlands, modified with [[roller door]] for [[parachuting]] operations; skydivers sitting on the cabin floor are visible inside the rear roller door.]]
[[File:Cessna 208B Grand Caravan PH-PPS take off at Teuge 07March2009.jpg|thumb|208B Grand Caravan in the Netherlands, modified with [[roller door]] for [[parachuting]] operations; skydivers sitting on the cabin floor are visible inside the rear roller door.]]
The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo compartment. The standard high-density airline configuration has four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two seats in the cockpit. This variant is capable of holding up to thirteen passengers, although it is marketed as being able to make a profit carrying just four.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cessna Caravan. Sure Thing – Airline |url=http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629080826/http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml%23 |archive-date=2006-06-29 |access-date=2006-07-19 |publisher=Cessna Inc.}}</ref>


The cabin can be configured in a low density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft.<ref name=":0" /> Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as [[Parachuting|skydiving]] aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skydiving aircraft in use at Netheravon, a UK dropzone |url=http://www.netheravon.com/aircraft.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416113835/http://www.netheravon.com/aircraft.html |archive-date=2010-04-16 |access-date=2010-04-05}}</ref>
The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo compartment. The standard high-density airline configuration has four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two seats in the cockpit. This variant is capable of holding up to thirteen passengers, although it is marketed as being able to make a profit carrying just four.<ref>
{{cite web
| title= Cessna Caravan. Sure Thing - Airline
| publisher= Cessna Inc.
| url= http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml#
| access-date= July 19, 2006
| url-status= dead
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060629080826/http://caravan.cessna.com/airline.chtml%23
| archive-date= June 29, 2006
}}
</ref>
The cabin can be configured in a low density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft.<ref name=":0"/> Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as [[Parachuting|skydiving]] aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door.<ref>
{{cite web
| title= Skydiving aircraft in use at Netheravon, a UK dropzone
| url= http://www.netheravon.com/aircraft.html
| access-date= April 5, 2010
| url-status= dead
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100416113835/http://www.netheravon.com/aircraft.html
| archive-date= April 16, 2010
}}
</ref>


The airplane typically seats nine passengers with a single pilot, although with a [[FAR Part 23]] waiver it can seat up to fourteen passengers. The aircraft is also used for cargo operations.
The airplane typically seats nine passengers with a single pilot, although with a [[FAR Part 23]] waiver it can seat up to fourteen passengers. The aircraft is also used for cargo operations.<ref name=Textron14nov2017 />


The short-fuselage Caravan burns {{cvt|48|USgal|L}} of fuel per hour at {{cvt|170|kn|km/h}} for {{cvt|200|nmi|km}} stages.<ref>{{cite magazine |title= Special Report: Cessna's Caravans |magazine= Business & commercial aviation |date= July 1988 |author= Richard N. Aarons}}</ref>
The short-fuselage Caravan burns {{cvt|48|USgal|L}} of fuel per hour at {{cvt|170|kn|km/h mph}} for {{cvt|200|nmi}} stages.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Richard N. Aarons |date=July 1988 |title=Special Report: Cessna's Caravans |magazine=Business & commercial aviation}}</ref>


==Operational history==
== Operational history ==
In August 2021, fearing Taliban reprisals, pilots of the [[Afghan Air Force]] made a last minute escape from Kabul to Tajikistan on an AC-208 moments before the city fell to the Taliban.<ref name="cbc">{{cite web |last1=Brewster |first1=Murray |publication-date=August 26, 2021 |title=Former Afghan Air Force pilots plead with Canada for rescue after daring escape |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/afghan-air-force-collapse-1.6151739
In August 2021, fearing Taliban reprisals, pilots of the [[Afghan Air Force]] made a last minute escape from Kabul to Tajikistan on an AC-208 moments before the city fell to the Taliban.<ref name="cbc">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Murray |title=Former Afghan Air Force pilots plead with Canada for rescue after daring escape |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/afghan-air-force-collapse-1.6151739 |access-date=2021-08-28 |website=[[CBC News]] |publisher=[[CBC/Radio-Canada]] |publication-date=August 26, 2021 |quote=Twelve pilots and one aircrew chief tumbled into one of the Afghan Air Force's single-engine AC-208 Eliminators, known by their crews as a 'Cessna with Hellfire', a reference to its air-to-surface missile. … CBC News interviewed three of the pilots via cell phone from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Their identities have been verified through military records, but their names are being withheld to protect their lives and the lives of the families they left behind in Afghanistan.}}</ref>
|website=[[CBC News]] |publisher=[[CBC/Radio-Canada]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |quote=Twelve pilots and one aircrew chief tumbled into one of the Afghan Air Force's single-engine AC-208 Eliminators, known by their crews as a 'Cessna with Hellfire,' a reference to its air-to-surface missile. … CBC News interviewed three of the pilots via cell phone from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Their identities have been verified through military records, but their names are being withheld to protect their lives and the lives of the families they left behind in Afghanistan.
}}</ref>


In November 2021, Egyptian Army Cessna 208s were used to fight smugglers in western Egypt.<ref name="disclose">{{cite web |publication-date=November 21, 2021 |title=Opération SIRLI |url=https://egypt-papers.disclose.ngo/fr/chapter/operation-sirli
In November 2021, Egyptian Army Cessna 208s were used to fight smugglers in western Egypt.<ref name="disclose">{{Cite web |title=Opération SIRLI |url=https://egypt-papers.disclose.ngo/fr/chapter/operation-sirli |access-date=2021-11-22 |publisher=Disclose.ngo |publication-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref>
|publisher=Disclose.ngo |access-date=November 22, 2021}}</ref>


On May 11, 2022 a Cessna 208 pilot became incapacitated resulting in a passenger with no flight experience successfully making an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport. The passenger was assisted by Air Traffic Controller Robert Morgan, a certified flight instructor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/florida-passenger-lands-plane/index.html|title=A passenger with no flying experience landed a plane at a Florida airport after the pilot became incapacitated|author=Jamiel Lynch, Dakin Andone and Pete Muntean|website=CNN}}</ref>
On May 11, 2022, a Cessna 208 pilot became incapacitated resulting in a passenger with no flight experience successfully making an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport. The passenger was assisted by Air Traffic Controller Robert Morgan, a certified flight instructor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamiel Lynch, Dakin Andone and Pete Muntean |date=May 11, 2022 |title=A passenger with no flying experience landed a plane at a Florida airport after the pilot became incapacitated |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/florida-passenger-lands-plane/index.html |website=CNN}}</ref>


On November 21, 2023, a Cessna 208 flew for the first time without any human on board. The plane was modified by Reliable Robotics to fly autonomously with a remote pilot able to send commands to the aircraft from 50 miles away via satellite communication to the onboard flight computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Reliable Robotics Completes Historic Cargo Flight—With No One on Board |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/reliable-robotics-completes-historic-cargo-flight-with-no-one-on-board/ |website=FLYING}}</ref>
==Variants==

===Civilian===
== Variants ==
=== Civilian ===
;{{Visible anchor|208 Caravan}}
;{{Visible anchor|208 Caravan}}
:First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. The landplane variant was type approved on October 23, 1984, and the seaplane version with Wipline Model 8000 Amphibious/Seaplane Floats was type approved on March 26, 1986. Early aircraft can be modified to use the higher-powered PT6A-114A but have restricted operating limits.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}
:First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. The landplane variant was type approved on October 23, 1984, and the seaplane version with Wipline Model 8000 Amphibious/Seaplane Floats was type approved on March 26, 1986. Early aircraft can be modified to use the higher-powered PT6A-114A but have restricted operating limits.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}
Line 107: Line 91:
::Marketing designation for the 208 Caravan with a higher-powered PT6A-114A engine.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}
::Marketing designation for the 208 Caravan with a higher-powered PT6A-114A engine.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}


[[File:Cessna 208B Caravan 'N876FE' FedEx (13006463414).jpg|thumb|A FedEx 208B Super Cargomaster]]
[[File:Cessna 208B Caravan 'N876FE' FedEx (13006463414).jpg|thumb|A [[FedEx Express|FedEx]] 208B Super Cargomaster.]]
;208A Cargomaster
;208A Cargomaster
:A pure-cargo version of the Caravan developed with Federal Express (now [[FedEx]]); 40 aircraft produced.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Cessna Caravan Service Kit SK208-35B, Revision B |publisher=The Cessna Aircraft Company |date=June 9, 1995 }}</ref> All 208A aircraft were serialized as 208 models.
:A pure-cargo version of the Caravan developed with Federal Express (now [[FedEx]]); 40 aircraft produced.<ref>{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 9, 1995 |title=Cessna Caravan Service Kit SK208-35B, Revision B |publisher=The Cessna Aircraft Company}}</ref> All 208A aircraft were serialized as 208 models.


[[File:252aa - Aerotucán Cessna 208B Grand Caravan; XA-TDS@PXM;28.7.2003 (6160875320).jpg|thumb|208B Grand Caravan in Mexico with its right rear [[airstair]] door open. The 208B Grand Caravan is {{convert|4|ft}} longer than the 208 and the passenger-carrying version has eight side windows instead of the 208's six.]]
[[File:252aa - Aerotucán Cessna 208B Grand Caravan; XA-TDS@PXM;28.7.2003 (6160875320).jpg|thumb|208B Grand Caravan in Mexico with its right rear [[airstair]] door open. The 208B Grand Caravan is {{convert|4|ft}} longer than the 208, and the passenger-carrying version has eight side windows instead of the 208's six.]]


;{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan}}
;{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan}}
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:*'''{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan EX}}'''
:*'''{{Visible anchor|208B Grand Caravan EX}}'''
::Marketing name for upgraded version of the 208B Caravan certified in December 2012, with a more powerful {{convert|867|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-140 that improves the rate of climb by 38% and was developed by [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]] specifically to power the 208B.<ref name="Niles13Jan13">{{cite news|url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna_Caravan_M2_207997-1.html|title=Cessna Certifies New Caravan, Starts M2 Production |access-date= January 14, 2013|last=Niles|first=Russ|date= January 13, 2013|work=AVweb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Goyer |first=Robert |title=Cessna Grand Caravan EX |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/cessna-grand-caravan-ex |website=Flying |publisher=Flying Magazine |date=June 12, 2013 |access-date=23 May 2017 }}</ref> The unladen weight is {{convert|807|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more but maximum payload is only {{convert|90|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more. While the {{convert|192|hp|kW|abbr=on}} more powerful PT6A-140 gives a {{convert|11|knots|km/h|adj=on}} higher cruise speed &ndash; and rate of climb is improved by {{convert|94|ft/min|m/s}}, range is reduced to {{convert|964|nmi|km}} on a similar fuel capacity. It requires a longer take off run at {{convert|2,160|ft|m}} and its landing roll is at {{convert|1,871|ft|m}}.<ref name=208Bspecs>{{cite web |url= http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/grand-caravan-ex#_model-specs |title= Grand Caravan EX |at= Specifications |publisher= Textron Aviation |access-date= 13 November 2016}}</ref> In early October 2019, after just under six years in production, the company had delivered 500 Grand Caravan EXs.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/textron-aviation-delivers-500th-grand-caravan-ex-461227/ |title= Textron Aviation delivers 500th Grand Caravan EX |date= 2 Oct 2019 |author= Kate Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>
::Marketing name for upgraded version of the 208B Caravan certified in December 2012, with a more powerful {{convert|867|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-140 that improves the rate of climb by 38% and was developed by [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]] specifically to power the 208B.<ref name="Niles13Jan13">{{Cite news |last=Niles |first=Russ |date=January 13, 2013 |title=Cessna Certifies New Caravan, Starts M2 Production |work=AVweb |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna_Caravan_M2_207997-1.html |access-date=January 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goyer |first=Robert |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Cessna Grand Caravan EX |work=Flying |publisher=Flying Magazine |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/cessna-grand-caravan-ex |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> The unladen weight is {{convert|807|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more but maximum payload is only {{convert|90|lb|kg|abbr=on}} more. While the {{convert|192|hp|kW|abbr=on}} more powerful PT6A-140 gives a {{convert|11|knots|km/h|adj=on}} higher cruise speed and rate of climb is improved by {{convert|94|ft/min|m/s}}, range is reduced to {{convert|964|nmi}} on a similar fuel capacity. It requires a longer take off run at {{convert|2,160|ft|m}} and its landing roll is at {{convert|1,871|ft|m}}.<ref name="208Bspecs">{{Cite web |title=Grand Caravan EX |url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/grand-caravan-ex#_model-specs |access-date=13 November 2016 |publisher=Textron Aviation |at=Specifications}}</ref> In early October 2019, after just under six years in production, the company had delivered 500 Grand Caravan EXs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kate Sarsfield |date=2019-10-02 |title=Textron Aviation delivers 500th Grand Caravan EX |work=Flightglobal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/textron-aviation-delivers-500th-grand-caravan-ex-461227/}}</ref>


:*'''{{Visible anchor|208B Super Cargomaster}}'''
:*'''{{Visible anchor|208B Super Cargomaster}}'''
::Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}
::Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}


[[File:G-MDJE (9153704192).jpg|thumb|Amphibious Caravan taking off from [[Loch Lomond]] in Scotland]]
[[File:G-MDJE (9153704192).jpg|thumb|Amphibious Caravan taking off from [[Loch Lomond]] in Scotland.]]


;Caravan Amphibian
;Caravan Amphibian
:A 208 or 208B with either [[Wipaire]] 8000 or 8750 [[Floatplane|floats]] that have retractable landing gear, for [[water landing]]s or land operations.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan|title=Cessna Caravan|work=[[Cessna]] [[Textron Aviation]]|access-date=July 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/192a32692268a04686257f310065fc1a/$FILE/SA1311GL_AML.pdf|title=FAA Approved Model List for Installing Wipaire Floats Models 8000/8750}}</ref>
:A 208 or 208B with either [[Wipaire]] 8000 or 8750 [[Floatplane|floats]] that have retractable landing gear, for [[water landing]]s or land operations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Cessna Caravan |work=[[Cessna]] [[Textron Aviation]] |url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan |access-date=July 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA Approved Model List for Installing Wipaire Floats Models 8000/8750 |url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/192a32692268a04686257f310065fc1a/$FILE/SA1311GL_AML.pdf}}</ref>


===Aftermarket variants===
=== Aftermarket variants ===
Production aircraft modified after delivery by [[Supplemental Type Certificate]]s:
Production aircraft modified after delivery by [[Supplemental Type Certificate]]s:
;[[Soloy Pathfinder 21]]
;[[Soloy Pathfinder 21]]
:Single example of a twin-engined stretched fuselage development of the 208 by the Soloy Corporation. Two PT6D-114A engines mounted side-by-side drove a single propeller; and the fuselage was extended by {{convert|70|in|m}} behind the wing. The project was abandoned as the design was unable to meet certification requirements.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Soloy Pathfinder 21|publisher=Soloy Corporation|orig-year=1999|year=2000|url=http://soloy.portal.acrosonic.com/Products/Fixed+Wing+Aircraft/Soloy+Dual+Pac/default.aspx|access-date=July 19, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224151946/http://soloy.portal.acrosonic.com/Products/Fixed+Wing+Aircraft/Soloy+Dual+Pac/default.aspx|archive-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref>
:Single example of a twin-engined stretched fuselage development of the 208 by the Soloy Corporation. Two PT6D-114A engines mounted side-by-side drove a single propeller; and the fuselage was extended by {{convert|70|in|m}} behind the wing. The project was abandoned as the design was unable to meet certification requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2000 |title=The Soloy Pathfinder 21 |url=http://soloy.portal.acrosonic.com/Products/Fixed+Wing+Aircraft/Soloy+Dual+Pac/default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224151946/http://soloy.portal.acrosonic.com/Products/Fixed+Wing+Aircraft/Soloy+Dual+Pac/default.aspx |archive-date=February 24, 2007 |access-date=July 19, 2006 |publisher=Soloy Corporation |orig-year=1999}}</ref>
;850 Caravan
;850 Caravan
:208 with an {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701S engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.<ref name="caravan850">[http://850caravan.com/index2.htm 850 Caravan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831142334/http://850caravan.com/index2.htm |date=August 31, 2012 }} Retrieved 18 February 2012.</ref>
:208 with an {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701S engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.<ref name="caravan850">[http://850caravan.com/index2.htm 850 Caravan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831142334/http://850caravan.com/index2.htm |date=August 31, 2012 }} Retrieved 18 February 2012.</ref>
;950 Grand Caravan
;950 Grand Caravan
:208B with a {{convert|1000|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Honeywell TPE331-12JR-704AT engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.<ref name="caravan850"/>
:208B with a {{convert|1000|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Honeywell TPE331-12JR-704AT engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.<ref name="caravan850" />
;Blackhawk Caravan
;Blackhawk Caravan
:208 and 208B conversion to {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} PT6A-42A.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|page=T-11|title=Blackhawk Boost|author=Thomas Horne}}</ref>
:208 and 208B conversion to {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} PT6A-42A.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Thomas Horne |title=Blackhawk Boost |journal=AOPA Pilot |page=T-11}}</ref>
;Supervan 900
;Supervan 900
:208B with a {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} ({{convert|900|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} flat-rated) Honeywell TPE331-12JR engine, installed by Texas Turbine Conversions, Inc.<ref>[http://www.texasturbines.com/supervan-900/ Supervan 900] Retrieved 25 July 2017.</ref>
:208B with a {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} ({{convert|900|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} flat-rated) Honeywell TPE331-12JR engine, installed by Texas Turbine Conversions, Inc.<ref>[http://www.texasturbines.com/supervan-900/ Supervan 900] Retrieved 25 July 2017.</ref>
;XP42A Upgrade
;XP42A Upgrade
:208B with an {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine, installed by Blackhawk<ref>
:208B with an {{convert|850|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine, installed by Blackhawk<ref>[http://www.blackhawk.aero/commercial-products/details/xp42a-upgrade/cessna-caravan/ XP42A Upgrade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522152655/http://www.blackhawk.aero/commercial-products/details/xp42a-upgrade/cessna-caravan/ |date=2013-05-22 }} Retrieved 18 February 2012.</ref>
[http://www.blackhawk.aero/commercial-products/details/xp42a-upgrade/cessna-caravan/ XP42A Upgrade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522152655/http://www.blackhawk.aero/commercial-products/details/xp42a-upgrade/cessna-caravan/ |date=2013-05-22 }} Retrieved 18 February 2012.
</ref>


===Experimental===
=== Experimental ===
The eCaravan is an [[electric aircraft]] modification of the 208B built by [[AeroTEC]] and [[magniX]] powered by a {{cvt|750|hp}} motor and a {{cvt|1|tonne|lb}}, 750V [[lithium-ion battery]].<!--ref name=Flight29may2020-->
The eCaravan is an [[electric aircraft]] modification of the 208B built by [[AeroTEC]] and [[magniX]] powered by a {{cvt|750|hp}} motor and a {{cvt|1|tonne|lb}}, 750&nbsp;V [[lithium-ion battery]].<ref name=Flight29may2020 />
Its 30 min first flight happened from [[Grant County International Airport]] in Moses Lake, Washington, on May 28, 2020, consuming $6 worth of electricity, needing 30-40 min of charging.<!--ref name=Flight29may2020-->
The Magni500-powered variant can fly {{cvt|100|miles}} with 4-5 passengers while keeping reserve power, and aims for a certification by the end of 2021, hoping to operate 100-mile flights with a full load of nine passengers with better batteries.<ref name=Flight29may2020>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/all-electric-grand-caravan-makes-maiden-flight/138600.article|title= All-electric Grand Caravan makes maiden flight |author= Jon Hemmerdinger |date= 29 May 2020 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>


The plane's 30-minute first flight happened from [[Grant County International Airport]] in Moses Lake, Washington, on May 28, 2020, consuming US$6 worth of electricity, needing 30–40&nbsp;min of charging.<ref name=Flight29may2020 />
===Military===

[[File:An AC-208 fires a Hellfire at practice target.jpg|thumbnail|An [[Iraqi Air Force]] Cessna 208B launches a [[Hellfire missile]]]]
The Magni500-powered variant can fly {{convert|100|nmi|round=5}} with 4–5 passengers while keeping reserve power, and aims for a certification by the end of 2021, hoping to operate {{convert|100|nmi|round=5|abbr=on}} flights with a full load of nine passengers with better batteries.<ref name="Flight29may2020">{{Cite news |last=Jon Hemmerdinger |date=29 May 2020 |title=All-electric Grand Caravan makes maiden flight |work=Flightglobal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/all-electric-grand-caravan-makes-maiden-flight/138600.article}}</ref>

=== Military ===
[[File:101108-A-5370B-002 AC-208 Hellfire launch (cropped).jpg|thumbnail|An [[Iraqi Air Force]] Cessna 208B launches a [[Hellfire missile]].]]


;U-27A
;U-27A
Line 157: Line 141:
:United States Department of Defense designation for proposed variant to be used by the [[United States Army]] in El Salvador and Nicaragua during the 1980s.{{citation needed|reason=There is no mention of this designation elsewhere in the article and no reference provided here|date=May 2017}}
:United States Department of Defense designation for proposed variant to be used by the [[United States Army]] in El Salvador and Nicaragua during the 1980s.{{citation needed|reason=There is no mention of this designation elsewhere in the article and no reference provided here|date=May 2017}}
;C-98
;C-98
:[[Brazilian Air Force]] designation for the standard U-27.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fab.mil.br/noticias/mostra/22889/CURSO%20-%20Parque%20de%20Material%20Aeron%C3%A1utico%20de%20Lagoa%20Santa%20capacita%20militares%20para%20manuten%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20de%20C-98|title=Parque de Material Aeronáutico de Lagoa Santa capacita militares para manutenção de C-98|last=Brasileira|first=Força Aérea|website=Força Aérea Brasileira|language=pt-br|access-date=2019-04-09}}</ref>
:[[Brazilian Air Force]] designation for the standard U-27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brasileira |first=Força Aérea |title=Parque de Material Aeronáutico de Lagoa Santa capacita militares para manutenção de C-98 |url=http://www.fab.mil.br/noticias/mostra/22889/CURSO%20-%20Parque%20de%20Material%20Aeron%C3%A1utico%20de%20Lagoa%20Santa%20capacita%20militares%20para%20manuten%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20de%20C-98 |access-date=2019-04-09 |website=Força Aérea Brasileira |language=pt-br}}</ref>
;AC-208 Combat Caravan
;AC-208 Combat Caravan
:Caravan with wing [[hardpoint]]s. An [[ISTAR]] version built by [[Alliant Techsystems|ATK]] armed with [[Hellfire missile]]s is used by the [[Iraqi Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp|title=Iraq to triple its air force with U.S. help by 2010|work=worldtribune.com|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326162335/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp|archive-date=26 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |work=Lebaneseairforce.info |title=News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322122057/http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |date= December 2008 |archive-date=March 22, 2009 }}</ref> The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it [[Anbar clashes (2013–14)|against insurgents in Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cenciotti |first=David |url=http://theaviationist.com/tag/ac-208-combat-caravan/ |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan |publisher=The Aviationist |date=January 10, 2014 |access-date=March 17, 2014}}</ref> One aircraft crashed in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-army-plane-crashes-3-crew-missing-military-140009203.html|title=Iraqi army plane crashes, IS claims downing it|date=16 March 2016|work=Yahoo News|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref>
:Caravan with wing [[hardpoint]]s. An [[ISTAR]] version built by [[Alliant Techsystems|ATK]] armed with [[Hellfire missile]]s is used by the [[Iraqi Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iraq to triple its air force with U.S. help by 2010 |url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326162335/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_iraq0291_04_10.asp |archive-date=26 March 2016 |access-date=18 March 2016 |website=worldtribune.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=News |date=December 2008 |url=http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |work=Lebaneseairforce.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322122057/http://www.lebaneseairforce.info/news.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2009}}</ref> The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it [[Anbar clashes (2013–14)|against insurgents in Anbar province]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=January 10, 2014 |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan |url=http://theaviationist.com/tag/ac-208-combat-caravan/ |access-date=March 17, 2014 |publisher=The Aviationist}}</ref> One aircraft crashed in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2016 |title=Iraqi army plane crashes, IS claims downing it |url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-army-plane-crashes-3-crew-missing-military-140009203.html |access-date=18 March 2016 |website=Yahoo News}}</ref>
:The [[Lebanese Air Force]] requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the 208 it already operated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/14113-us-to-deliver-armed-aircraft-to-lebanon|title=US to deliver armed aircraft to Lebanon|work=Middle East Monitor|access-date=18 March 2016|date=2014-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326230422/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/14113-us-to-deliver-armed-aircraft-to-lebanon|archive-date=26 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between 2009 and 2019, Northrop Grumman delivered two AC-208Bs and one RC-208B (an ISTAR variant) to the Lebanese Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Northrop Grumman Celebrates Ten Years of Collaboration with the Lebanese Air Force|url=https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/features/northrop-grumman-celebrates-ten-years-of-collaboration-with-the-lebanese-air-force|access-date=2021-01-27|website=Northrop Grumman Newsroom|language=en}}</ref>
:The [[Lebanese Air Force]] requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the 208 it already operated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-13 |title=US to deliver armed aircraft to Lebanon |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/14113-us-to-deliver-armed-aircraft-to-lebanon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326230422/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/14113-us-to-deliver-armed-aircraft-to-lebanon |archive-date=26 March 2016 |access-date=18 March 2016 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> Between 2009 and 2019, Northrop Grumman delivered two AC-208Bs and one RC-208B (an ISTAR variant) to the Lebanese Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Northrop Grumman Celebrates Ten Years of Collaboration with the Lebanese Air Force |url=https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/features/northrop-grumman-celebrates-ten-years-of-collaboration-with-the-lebanese-air-force |access-date=2021-01-27 |website=Northrop Grumman Newsroom |language=en}}</ref>
:Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.<ref>
:Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan's For Africa And The Middle East |url=http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205015320/http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |archive-date=2014-12-05 |access-date=2014-09-20}}</ref>{{Failed verification|reason=the reference is speculative and does not definitively state that any country will take delivery of Combat Caravans|date=May 2017}}
{{Cite web |url=http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |title=AC-208 Combat Caravan's For Africa And The Middle East |access-date=2014-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205015320/http://aviation.confero.info:8080/ac-208-fms-africa-middle-east/ |archive-date=2014-12-05 |url-status=dead }}
</ref>{{Failed verification|reason=the reference is speculative and does not definitively state that any country will take delivery of Combat Caravans|date=May 2017}}
;MC-208 Guardian
;MC-208 Guardian
:The MC-208 Guardian multi-role aircraft is built on the Cessna Caravan, capable of performing aerial surveillance, close air support, casualty and medical evacuations, air mobility, and precision strike all in one mission without the need for reconfiguration, eliminating the need to deploy and operate multiple aircraft. It has been selected as one of only 5 remaining competitors to become the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM's) new Armed Overwatch aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseadvancement.com/news/mc-208-guardian-progresses-to-next-phase-of-armed-overwatch-aircraft-competition/|title=MC-208 Guardian Progresses to Next Phase of Armed Overwatch Aircraft Competition|date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>
:The MC-208 Guardian multi-role aircraft is built on the Cessna Caravan, capable of performing aerial surveillance, close air support, casualty and medical evacuations, air mobility, and precision strike all in one mission without the need for reconfiguration, eliminating the need to deploy and operate multiple aircraft. It was selected as one of five finalists for the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM's) [[Armed Overwatch]] program.


==Operators==
== Operators ==
{{main article|List of Cessna 208 Caravan operators}}
{{Main|List of Cessna 208 Caravan operators}}


The 1,000th was delivered in 1998; the 1,500th in 2005; the 2,000th in 2010;<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Textron Inc – Cessna's 2000th Caravan Goes to DHL partner Air St. Kitts-Nevis |date=September 15, 2010 |publisher=Textron |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2010/Cessnas-2000th-Caravan-Goes-to-DHL-partner-Air-St-Kitts-Nevis/default.aspx}}</ref> the 2,500th in 2015;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Matt Thurber |date=September 28, 2015 |title=Textron Rolls Out 2,500th Caravan |work=AIN online |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2015-09-28/textron-rolls-out-2500th-caravan}}</ref> and the 3,000th in 2022.<ref name="Textron13jan2023">{{Cite press release |title=Textron Aviation delivers 3,000th Cessna Caravan family aircraft; Grand Caravan EX joins Azul Conecta airline fleet in Brazil |date=January 13, 2023 |publisher=Textron Aviation |url=https://media.txtav.com/221919-textron-aviation-delivers-3-000th-cessna-caravan-family-aircraft-grand-caravan-ex-joins-azul-conecta-airline-fleet-in-brazil}}</ref>
Certified in 100 countries, 2,600 Caravans have been delivered with nearly 20 million flight hours logged by November 2017.
By March 2022, 24 million flight hours have been logged.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cessna Grand Caravan EX fleet to grow in Africa in support of Tunisian Air Force |date=7 March 2022 |publisher=Textron Aviation |url=https://media.txtav.com/211183-cessna-grand-caravan-ex-fleet-to-grow-in-africa-in-support-of-tunisian-air-force}}</ref>
Engineered for high payloads and short and rough runways, with single-engine economy and simplicity, Caravans are used for flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions.<ref name=Textron14nov2017>{{cite press release |url= https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2017/11/textron-aviation-begins-delivery-of-10-cessna-grand-caravan-ex-turboprops |date= Nov 14, 2017 |publisher= Textron Aviation |title= Textron Aviation begins delivery of 10 Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops to support charter service in Botswana}}</ref>
It is also used by government agencies in law enforcement, air ambulance services, police and military.<ref name=Rodengen1998/>


Certified in 100 countries, Caravans are used for flight training, recreation, commuter airlines, VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions.<ref name="Textron14nov2017">{{Cite press release |title=Textron Aviation begins delivery of 10 Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops to support charter service in Botswana |date=Nov 14, 2017 |publisher=Textron Aviation |url=https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2017/11/textron-aviation-begins-delivery-of-10-cessna-grand-caravan-ex-turboprops}}</ref>
===Civil operators===
It is also used by government agencies in law enforcement, air ambulance services, police and military.<ref name=Rodengen1998 />
The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. [[FedEx]] operates 239 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://s1.q4cdn.com/714383399/files/doc_downloads/statistical/2017/FedEx-Q1-FY17-Stat-Book.pdf |title= Financial and Operating Statistics |publisher= FedEx Corporation |date= September 20, 2016 }}</ref>


===Military operators===
=== Civil operators ===
The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. [[FedEx]] operates 239 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Financial and Operating Statistics |url=https://s1.q4cdn.com/714383399/files/doc_downloads/statistical/2017/FedEx-Q1-FY17-Stat-Book.pdf |publisher=FedEx Corporation}}</ref>
A total of 134 Cessna 208s were in military service in 2016.<ref name=AFdir>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/14484 |author= Craig Hoyle |title= World Air Forces Directory 2017 |work= [[FlightGlobal]] |date= 2016}}</ref>


=== Military operators ===
==Accidents==
A total of 134 Cessna 208s were in military service in 2016.<ref name="AFdir">{{Cite news |last=Craig Hoyle |date=2016 |title=World Air Forces Directory 2017 |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/14484}}</ref>
As of 31 December 2017 there have been 216 Caravan [[hull loss]]es from all causes, including 206 accidents causing 427 fatalities &ndash; an average of {{#expr:427/216round1}} fatalities per hull-loss, with 29.7% of all occupants surviving fatal accidents; and six [[Aircraft hijacking|hijacking]]s causing one fatality.<!--<ref name=ASNstats/>-->
For the 198 out of the 216 hull-loss occurrences where the aircraft was in use and its flight nature is known, 36.9% were [[passenger flight]]s, 33.8% [[air cargo|cargo flight]]s, 8.1% [[military flight]]s, 5.6% special flights &ndash; [[Agricultural aircraft|agriculture]], [[aerial survey|survey]], etc., 4% private and [[business aviation|business flight]]s, 3% [[flight test|test]] or [[flight training]] and 8.1% miscellaneous uses &ndash; demonstrations, deliveries, illegal.<ref name=ASNstats>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Cessna-208-Caravan-1/statistics |title= Cessna 208 Statistics |access-date= 18 November 2017 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]] |publisher=[[Flight Safety Foundation]]}}</ref>


== Accidents ==
==Specifications (208 Caravan)==
As of 31 December 2017 there have been 216 Caravan [[hull loss]]es from all causes, including 206 accidents causing 427 fatalities – an average of {{#expr:427/216round1}} fatalities per hull-loss, with 29.7% of all occupants surviving fatal accidents; and six [[Aircraft hijacking|hijackings]] causing one fatality.<!--<ref name=ASNstats />-->
[[File:Caravan three views.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Left: three-axis view of 208 Caravan Amphibian and side view of standard 208 Caravan <br/>Right: 208B Grand Caravan with side views of Super Cargomaster and standard versions]]
For the 198 out of the 216 hull-loss occurrences where the aircraft was in use and its flight nature is known, 36.9% were [[passenger flight]]s, 33.8% [[air cargo|cargo flights]], 8.1% [[military flight]]s, 5.6% special flights – [[Agricultural aircraft|agriculture]], [[aerial survey|survey]], etc., 4% private and [[business aviation|business flights]], 3% [[flight test|test]] or [[flight training]] and 8.1% miscellaneous uses – demonstrations, deliveries, illegal.<ref name="ASNstats">{{Cite web |title=Cessna 208 Statistics |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Cessna-208-Caravan-1/statistics |access-date=18 November 2017 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]] |publisher=[[Flight Safety Foundation]]}}</ref>

== Specifications (208 Caravan) ==
[[File:Caravan three views.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Left: three-axis view of 208 Caravan Amphibian and side view of standard 208 Caravan <br />Right: 208B Grand Caravan with side views of Super Cargomaster and standard versions.]]


{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Cessna Textron<ref>{{cite web |url= http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan#_model-specs |title=Caravan Specifications |publisher= Cessna }}</ref>
|ref=Cessna Textron<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caravan Specifications |url=http://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan#_model-specs |publisher=Cessna}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
|prime units?=kts
|genhide=
|genhide=
Line 205: Line 189:
|wing area sqft=279
|wing area sqft=279
|aspect ratio={{#expr:15.87/(25.96/15.87)round3}}
|aspect ratio={{#expr:15.87/(25.96/15.87)round3}}
|airfoil=wing root: [[NACA airfoil|NACA]] 23017.424, wing tip: NACA 23012<ref name="Incomplete">{{cite web|url = http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/aircraft.html|title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage|access-date = 26 November 2016|last = Lednicer|first = David|year = 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100420012244/http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/aircraft.html|archive-date = 20 April 2010|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref>
|airfoil=wing root: [[NACA airfoil|NACA]] 23017.424, wing tip: NACA 23012<ref name="Incomplete">{{Cite web |last=Lednicer |first=David |year=2010 |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420012244/http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/aircraft.html |archive-date=20 April 2010 |access-date=26 November 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=2,145
|empty weight kg=2,145
|empty weight lb=4,730
|empty weight lb=4,730
Line 211: Line 195:
|gross weight kg=3,629
|gross weight kg=3,629
|gross weight lb=8,000
|gross weight lb=8,000
|gross weight note= <Br>'''Maximum landing weight''' : 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)
|gross weight note=<br /><!-- Line break needed to show bullet point before Maximum landing weight -->
* '''Maximum landing weight''': 7,800&nbsp;lb (3,538&nbsp;kg)
|fuel capacity=2,224 lb (1,009 kg/332 gal/1,257 L)
|fuel capacity=2,224&nbsp;lb (1,009&nbsp;kg) / 332&nbsp;US&nbsp;gal (1,257&nbsp;L)
|more general=
|more general=
* '''Cabin height:''' 54 in (1.37 m)
* '''Cabin height:''' 54&nbsp;in (1.37&nbsp;m)
* '''Cabin width:''' 64 in (1.63 m)
* '''Cabin width:''' 64&nbsp;in (1.63&nbsp;m)
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]]-114A
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]]-114A
|eng1 type=turboprop
|eng1 type=turboprop
|eng1 kw=
|eng1 shp=675
|eng1 shp=675
|prop blade number=3
|prop blade number=3
|prop name=[[McCauley Propeller Systems|McCauley]] Constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch
|prop name=[[McCauley Propeller Systems|McCauley]] constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch
|prop dia m=
|prop dia ft=
|prop dia in=
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=344
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=186
|cruise speed kts=186
|cruise speed note= true air speed
|cruise speed note= true air speed
|stall speed kmh=113
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=61
|stall speed kts=61
|stall speed note= calibrated air speed
|stall speed note=calibrated air speed
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=1,982
|range miles=
|range nmi=1,070
|range nmi=1,070
|ceiling ft=25000
|range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft= 25000
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ms={{#expr:376/60round2}}
|climb rate ms={{#expr:376/60round2}}
|climb rate ftmin=1,234
|climb rate ftmin=1,234
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2={{#expr:3629/25.96round3}}
|wing loading lb/sqft={{#expr:8000/279round3}}
|wing loading lb/sqft={{#expr:8000/279round3}}
|wing loading note=
|avionics=
|avionics=
*[[Garmin G1000]] with GFC700 integrated digital automatic flight control system
*[[Garmin G1000]] with GFC700 integrated digital automatic flight control system
}}
}}


==See also==
== See also ==
[[File:N187GC (10623439676).jpg|thumb|A 208B Grand Caravan (foreground) alongside a [[Quest Kodiak]] on an [[airport apron]]]]
[[File:N187GC (10623439676).jpg|thumb|A 208B Grand Caravan (foreground) alongside a [[Quest Kodiak]] on an [[airport apron]].]]
{{Aircontent
{{Aircontent
|related=
|related=
Line 278: Line 233:
|see also=
|see also=
* [[Cessna 408 SkyCourier]]
* [[Cessna 408 SkyCourier]]
* [[Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II]]
}}
}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons and category|Cessna 208 Caravan|Cessna 208}}
{{Commons and category|Cessna 208 Caravan|Cessna 208}}


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{{Cessna}}
{{Cessna}}
{{US utility aircraft}}
{{US utility aircraft}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Line 295: Line 253:
[[Category:1980s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1980s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Counter-insurgency aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft]]

Revision as of 14:54, 15 February 2024

Cessna 208 Caravan
An Iraqi Air Force Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Role Utility aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight December 9, 1982
Introduction 1984
Status In service
Primary users FedEx Feeder
Produced 1982–present
Number built 3,000 (2022)[1]
Variants Soloy Pathfinder 21

The Cessna 208 Caravan is a utility aircraft produced by Cessna. The project was commenced on November 20, 1981, and the prototype first flew on December 9, 1982. The production model was certified by the FAA in October 1984 and its Cargomaster freighter variant was developed for FedEx. The 4 ft (1.2 m) longer 208B Super Cargomaster first flew in 1986 and was developed into the passenger 208B Grand Caravan.[2]

The strutted, high wing 208 typically seats nine passengers in its unpressurized cabin, is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A tractor turboprop and has a fixed tricycle landing gear, floats, or skis.[3]

By 2022, 3,000 had been delivered and 24 million flight hours have been logged.[citation needed] Caravans have been used for flight training, commuter airlines, VIP transport, air cargo, and humanitarian missions.

Development

A FedEx Super Cargomaster with cargo pod. The Cargomaster and Super Cargomaster variants are built without cabin windows.
Cockpit of a pre-2008 Caravan.

On November 20, 1981, the project was given a go-ahead by Cessna for its Pawnee engineering facility. John Berwick, chief engineer at Pawnee, conceived of a single engine, high-wing airplane with a large payload. Berwick had originally approached Vice President Bill Boettger with the idea and once Dwane Wallace approved it, Berwick told Russ Meyer he would design it.[4]

The prototype first flew on December 9, 1982.[5] The production model was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 1984.[2]

Deliveries began in 1985, and amphibious floats were approved that same year.[1] A freighter variant without cabin windows was developed at the request of Federal Express as the Cargomaster.[2] FedEx had been initially planning to build twin-engine piston-powered airplanes with Piper Aircraft, but picked the Caravan after surveying it and having flown the prototype, becoming its standard carrier.[4]

Another cargo variant for Federal Express, with a longer fuselage and a cargo pod under the belly, was developed as the 208B Super Cargomaster and flew for the first time in 1986.[2] Stretched by 4 ft (1.2 m), it received its FAA type certification also in 1986.[1] A passenger model, the 208B Grand Caravan, was derived from the Super Cargomaster.[2] It was first delivered in 1990.[1]

Since then, the Caravan has undergone a number of design evolutions, including upgrading the avionics in 2008 to provide a glass cockpit with the Garmin G1000 system.[6] In January 2013 a higher-powered (867 shp from P&WC PT6A-140) version, the Grand Caravan EX, received FAA certification.[7]

In August 2016, Textron announced that it would move the Cessna 208 production line from its Wichita headquarters to its Independence, Kansas, production facility, for manufacture alongside along the piston-powered 172, 182, 206 and TTx, and the Citation M2 light jet. The move was made to make room for production of the Citation Longitude and Denali in Wichita.[8] In 2023, the 208 Caravan unit cost was US$2.32 million and US$2.61 million for the 208B Grand Caravan EX.[9]

Chinese production

In May 2012, Cessna announced that an assembly line for the 208 would be established in China, with the government-owned China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) conducting final assembly of Caravans at its plant in Shijiazhuang for the Chinese market.[10] Chinese government approval was granted in September the following year and the first Chinese-assembled Caravan was delivered in December 2013.[11][12] By April 2016 about 30 aircraft, assembled from kits of parts shipped from the US by Cessna, had been delivered to Chinese operators by the joint venture.[13]

Design

Low-density seating in the cabin of a passenger-carrying version.

The Cessna 208 is a high-wing braced cabin monoplane powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop in tractor configuration. The cabin has room for nine passengers and two crew when used as a passenger aircraft with four doors: one for each crew member, an airstair door on the right side of the cabin and a cargo door on the left. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with an underslung cargo pod.[3]

The basic 208 airframe has a fixed tricycle landing gear but can also be fitted with various types of landing gear, allowing it to operate in a wide variety of environments. Some common adaptations include floats with retractable landing gear on the Caravan Amphibian model, and skis.[2]

208B Grand Caravan in the Netherlands, modified with roller door for parachuting operations; skydivers sitting on the cabin floor are visible inside the rear roller door.

The Caravan interior can be outfitted with seats or as a cargo compartment. The standard high-density airline configuration has four rows of 1-2 seating behind the two seats in the cockpit. This variant is capable of holding up to thirteen passengers, although it is marketed as being able to make a profit carrying just four.[14]

The cabin can be configured in a low density passenger configuration, with 1-1 seating, as a combination of passengers and cargo, or as a strictly cargo aircraft.[15] Many variants include an underbelly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage. A number of Caravans are operated as skydiving aircraft with the left-side cargo hatch converted to a roll-up door.[16]

The airplane typically seats nine passengers with a single pilot, although with a FAR Part 23 waiver it can seat up to fourteen passengers. The aircraft is also used for cargo operations.[3]

The short-fuselage Caravan burns 48 US gal (180 L) of fuel per hour at 170 kn (310 km/h; 200 mph) for 200 nmi (370 km; 230 mi) stages.[17]

Operational history

In August 2021, fearing Taliban reprisals, pilots of the Afghan Air Force made a last minute escape from Kabul to Tajikistan on an AC-208 moments before the city fell to the Taliban.[18]

In November 2021, Egyptian Army Cessna 208s were used to fight smugglers in western Egypt.[19]

On May 11, 2022, a Cessna 208 pilot became incapacitated resulting in a passenger with no flight experience successfully making an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport. The passenger was assisted by Air Traffic Controller Robert Morgan, a certified flight instructor.[20]

On November 21, 2023, a Cessna 208 flew for the first time without any human on board. The plane was modified by Reliable Robotics to fly autonomously with a remote pilot able to send commands to the aircraft from 50 miles away via satellite communication to the onboard flight computers.[21]

Variants

Civilian

208 Caravan
First production variant with a PT6A-114 turboprop engine and seating for up to nine passengers. The landplane variant was type approved on October 23, 1984, and the seaplane version with Wipline Model 8000 Amphibious/Seaplane Floats was type approved on March 26, 1986. Early aircraft can be modified to use the higher-powered PT6A-114A but have restricted operating limits.[citation needed]
  • 208 Caravan 675
Marketing designation for the 208 Caravan with a higher-powered PT6A-114A engine.[citation needed]
A FedEx 208B Super Cargomaster.
208A Cargomaster
A pure-cargo version of the Caravan developed with Federal Express (now FedEx); 40 aircraft produced.[22] All 208A aircraft were serialized as 208 models.
208B Grand Caravan in Mexico with its right rear airstair door open. The 208B Grand Caravan is 4 feet (1.2 m) longer than the 208, and the passenger-carrying version has eight side windows instead of the 208's six.
208B Grand Caravan
Officially named the 208B Caravan but marketed as the Grand Caravan. The 208B is 4 ft (1.2 m) longer than the 208; extending the cabin by the same amount. The 208B has a PT6A-114A engine. It was originally certified as a two-seater cargo version on October 9, 1986, and as an 11-seater passenger aircraft on December 13, 1989.[citation needed]
  • 208B Grand Caravan EX
Marketing name for upgraded version of the 208B Caravan certified in December 2012, with a more powerful 867 hp (647 kW) Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-140 that improves the rate of climb by 38% and was developed by Pratt & Whitney Canada specifically to power the 208B.[23][24] The unladen weight is 807 lb (366 kg) more but maximum payload is only 90 lb (41 kg) more. While the 192 hp (143 kW) more powerful PT6A-140 gives a 11-knot (20 km/h) higher cruise speed – and rate of climb is improved by 94 feet per minute (0.48 m/s), range is reduced to 964 nautical miles (1,785 km; 1,109 mi) on a similar fuel capacity. It requires a longer take off run at 2,160 feet (660 m) and its landing roll is at 1,871 feet (570 m).[25] In early October 2019, after just under six years in production, the company had delivered 500 Grand Caravan EXs.[26]
  • 208B Super Cargomaster
Marketing name for the cargo variant of the 208B series. FedEx purchased 260 of this variant.[citation needed]
Amphibious Caravan taking off from Loch Lomond in Scotland.
Caravan Amphibian
A 208 or 208B with either Wipaire 8000 or 8750 floats that have retractable landing gear, for water landings or land operations.[15][27]

Aftermarket variants

Production aircraft modified after delivery by Supplemental Type Certificates:

Soloy Pathfinder 21
Single example of a twin-engined stretched fuselage development of the 208 by the Soloy Corporation. Two PT6D-114A engines mounted side-by-side drove a single propeller; and the fuselage was extended by 70 inches (1.8 m) behind the wing. The project was abandoned as the design was unable to meet certification requirements.[28]
850 Caravan
208 with an 850 hp (634 kW) Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701S engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.[29]
950 Grand Caravan
208B with a 1,000 hp (746 kW) Honeywell TPE331-12JR-704AT engine, installed by Aero Twin Inc.[29]
Blackhawk Caravan
208 and 208B conversion to 850 hp (634 kW) PT6A-42A.[30]
Supervan 900
208B with a 850 hp (634 kW) (900 hp (671 kW) flat-rated) Honeywell TPE331-12JR engine, installed by Texas Turbine Conversions, Inc.[31]
XP42A Upgrade
208B with an 850 hp (634 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine, installed by Blackhawk[32]

Experimental

The eCaravan is an electric aircraft modification of the 208B built by AeroTEC and magniX powered by a 750 hp (560 kW) motor and a 1 t (2,200 lb), 750 V lithium-ion battery.[33]

The plane's 30-minute first flight happened from Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, on May 28, 2020, consuming US$6 worth of electricity, needing 30–40 min of charging.[33]

The Magni500-powered variant can fly 100 nautical miles (185 km; 115 mi) with 4–5 passengers while keeping reserve power, and aims for a certification by the end of 2021, hoping to operate 100 nmi (185 km; 115 mi) flights with a full load of nine passengers with better batteries.[33]

Military

An Iraqi Air Force Cessna 208B launches a Hellfire missile.
U-27A
United States Department of Defense designation for the Cessna 208.
C-16
United States Department of Defense designation for proposed variant to be used by the United States Army in El Salvador and Nicaragua during the 1980s.[citation needed]
C-98
Brazilian Air Force designation for the standard U-27.[34]
AC-208 Combat Caravan
Caravan with wing hardpoints. An ISTAR version built by ATK armed with Hellfire missiles is used by the Iraqi Air Force.[35][36] The AC-208 received its combat debut in January 2014 when the Iraqi Air Force began employing it against insurgents in Anbar province.[37] One aircraft crashed in March 2016.[38]
The Lebanese Air Force requested a new AC-208 and the conversion of the 208 it already operated.[39] Between 2009 and 2019, Northrop Grumman delivered two AC-208Bs and one RC-208B (an ISTAR variant) to the Lebanese Air Force.[40]
Other AC-208s are scheduled to be delivered to countries in the Middle East and Africa through the Foreign Military Sales program. Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso are possible recipients of these AC-208 Combat Caravans.[41][failed verification]
MC-208 Guardian
The MC-208 Guardian multi-role aircraft is built on the Cessna Caravan, capable of performing aerial surveillance, close air support, casualty and medical evacuations, air mobility, and precision strike all in one mission without the need for reconfiguration, eliminating the need to deploy and operate multiple aircraft. It was selected as one of five finalists for the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM's) Armed Overwatch program.

Operators

The 1,000th was delivered in 1998; the 1,500th in 2005; the 2,000th in 2010;[42] the 2,500th in 2015;[43] and the 3,000th in 2022.[1] By March 2022, 24 million flight hours have been logged.[44]

Certified in 100 countries, Caravans are used for flight training, recreation, commuter airlines, VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions.[3] It is also used by government agencies in law enforcement, air ambulance services, police and military.[4]

Civil operators

The Cessna 208 is used by governmental organizations and by a large number of companies for police, air ambulance, passenger transport, air charter, freight and parachuting operations. FedEx operates 239 aircraft.[45]

Military operators

A total of 134 Cessna 208s were in military service in 2016.[46]

Accidents

As of 31 December 2017 there have been 216 Caravan hull losses from all causes, including 206 accidents causing 427 fatalities – an average of 2 fatalities per hull-loss, with 29.7% of all occupants surviving fatal accidents; and six hijackings causing one fatality. For the 198 out of the 216 hull-loss occurrences where the aircraft was in use and its flight nature is known, 36.9% were passenger flights, 33.8% cargo flights, 8.1% military flights, 5.6% special flights – agriculture, survey, etc., 4% private and business flights, 3% test or flight training and 8.1% miscellaneous uses – demonstrations, deliveries, illegal.[47]

Specifications (208 Caravan)

Left: three-axis view of 208 Caravan Amphibian and side view of standard 208 Caravan
Right: 208B Grand Caravan with side views of Super Cargomaster and standard versions.

Data from Cessna Textron[48]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one or two
  • Capacity: nine passengers or 13 with FAR Part 23 waiver
  • Length: 37 ft 7 in (11.46 m)
  • Wingspan: 52 ft 1 in (15.87 m)
  • Height: 14 ft 11 in (4.53 m)
  • Wing area: 279 sq ft (25.96 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 9.702
  • Airfoil: wing root: NACA 23017.424, wing tip: NACA 23012[49]
  • Empty weight: 4,730 lb (2,145 kg)
  • Gross weight: 8,000 lb (3,629 kg)
  • Maximum landing weight: 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 2,224 lb (1,009 kg) / 332 US gal (1,257 L)
  • Cabin height: 54 in (1.37 m)
  • Cabin width: 64 in (1.63 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A turboprop, 675 shp (503 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed McCauley constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 186 kn (214 mph, 344 km/h) true air speed
  • Stall speed: 61 kn (70 mph, 113 km/h) calibrated air speed
  • Range: 1,070 nmi (1,230 mi, 1,980 km)
  • Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,234 ft/min (6.27 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 28.674 lb/sq ft (140.00 kg/m2)

Avionics

  • Garmin G1000 with GFC700 integrated digital automatic flight control system

See also

A 208B Grand Caravan (foreground) alongside a Quest Kodiak on an airport apron.

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Textron Aviation delivers 3,000th Cessna Caravan family aircraft; Grand Caravan EX joins Azul Conecta airline fleet in Brazil" (Press release). Textron Aviation. January 13, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Frawley, Gerald (1997). The International Directory of Civil Aircraft 1997/98. Fyshwick ACT: Aerospace Publications. p. 76. ISBN 1-875671-26-9.
  3. ^ a b c d "Textron Aviation begins delivery of 10 Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops to support charter service in Botswana" (Press release). Textron Aviation. November 14, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Jeffrey L. Rodengen (1998). The Legend of Cessna. Write Stuff Enterprises. p. 205. ISBN 0-945903-30-8.
  5. ^ Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury, England: Airlife Publishing. p. 103. ISBN 1-85310-194-X.
  6. ^ Goyer, Robert (April 26, 2008). "Cessna Caravan Perfected?". Flying. Flying Magazine. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  7. ^ Pia Bergqvist, Cessna Grand Caravan EX Certified, Flying, March 2013 issue, p. 14
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External links