Cessna 208 Caravan – Versatile single-engine turboprop aircraft
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a legendary turboprop regional aircraft that has set the standard in commercial and specialty aviation for more than 40 years. Powered by a 675 hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine, this versatile transport aircraft offers a cruising speed of more than 340 km/h, a range of up to 1,780 km and a payload of up to 1,600 kg. The spacious cabin allows it to carry 9 to 14 passengers or large cargo loads. State-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi avionics ensure the highest safety standards. This turboprop for special tasks is renowned for its reliability and ability to operate as an aircraft for short runways, including unpaved ones.
Key features of the single-engine turboprop
- Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A, 675 hp engine – a proven propulsion unit
- Cabin for 9-14 passengers or cargo configuration – flexible use
- Garmin G1000 NXi avionics – advanced on-board systems
- Payload capacity of up to 1,600 kg – the ideal cargo plane for tough conditions
- Ability to operate from unpaved airfields – a real off-road aircraft
- Economical operation – low fuel consumption and easy service
- Special versions – medical flight aircraft, patrol aircraft, amphibious aircraft
Caravan 208 technical data and performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A, 675 hp |
| Cruising speed | 340 km/h (186 kt) |
| Maximum speed | 355 km/h |
| Range | 1,780 km (1,070 NM) |
| Payload capacity | up to 1,600 kg |
| Take-off weight (MTOW) | 3,970 kg |
| Wingspan | 15,88 m |
| Length | 12,67 m |
| Height | 4,72 m |
| Number of seats | 9-14 (depending on the version) |
| Operational ceiling | 6,950 m (22,800 ft) |
| Fuel consumption | ca. 235 l/h |
| Avionics | Garmin G1000 NXi |
Technological advantages of turboprop regional aircraft
This versatile transport aircraft is distinguished by its ease of operation and reliability in the most difficult conditions. The Cessna with the PT6A engine has a fixed landing gear with large wheels, allowing operations on unprepared strips. Wide cargo doors make it easy to load goods, making it ideal as a cargo aircraft. The modern glass cockpit offers full integration of navigation and communication systems. Availability in a number of specialized versions, including as a medical or amphibious aircraft, confirms the versatility of this design.
Applications and configurations of the turboprop for special tasks
Caravan’s single-engine turboprop aircraft performs well in a variety of missions:
- Passenger transport – regional air links, VIP transport, tourist flights
- Cargo transportation – cargo plane for difficult terrain, air courier service
- Medical operations – quick conversion to aircraft for medical flights with stretchers
- Special missions – border monitoring, SAR operations, aerial photogrammetry
- Pilot training – spacious cabin with modern avionics
- Amphibious operations – possibility to install floats for launches from water
Comparison with competitors in the turboprop segment
| Model | Cruising speed | Range (NM) | Load capacity (kg) | Number of seats | Operating cost (USD/h) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 208 | 186 kt (340 km/h) | 1 070 | 1 600 | 9-14 | 600-700 | |
| Pilatus PC-12 NGX | 290 kt (537 km/h) | 1 866 | 1 675 | 8-9 | 793 | |
| King Air 200 | 333 mph (536 km/h) | 1 580 | 1 497 | 9 | 1 800-2 000 |
The Caravan turboprop regional aircraft offers the best price/operational capability ratio, combining an affordable purchase price with economical operation.
Frequently asked questions about short runway aircraft
Why choose this single-engine turboprop aircraft? The main advantages are exceptional reliability, low operating costs, ability to operate as a short runway aircraft, flexible cabin configuration and a wide range of applications.
How quickly can the cabin be reconfigured? The versatile transport aircraft allows the interior layout to be quickly changed from passenger to cargo or medical, increasing the machine’s versatility.
What are the actual Cessna Caravan operating costs? An hour of flight costs about $600-700 with fuel consumption of about 235 l/h. The turboprop has low maintenance costs and spare parts availability.
Cessna 208 Caravan – Price, costs, sale, rental
- Price of new unit: depending on equipment, best to contact us
- Value of used machines: from $1,400,000 (by condition and airframe)
- Operating costs: $600-700/hour (fuel, maintenance, basic service)
- Leasing options: available from authorized dealers and operators
- Technical support: global service network with quick access to parts
Summary
The Cessna 208 single-engine turboprop aircraft remains the most economical solution in its class. Combining reliability, ease of operation and the ability to operate in all conditions, this versatile transport aircraft is the optimal choice for regional operators, cargo companies, emergency services and private users expecting maximum flexibility at reasonable operating costs.
