Cessna Super Cargomaster

The piston transport built to carry heavy cargo from short and rugged airfields.

Overview

Cessna United States ICAO: C208 1986–Present Active $1.5 million

The Cessna Super Cargomaster was a heavy-duty piston transport developed from Cessna’s twin-engine utility aircraft. Introduced in the 1960s, it was designed for cargo hauling, paratroop transport, and utility missions. The aircraft emphasized short takeoff capability and strong lifting performance.

Live Fleet Activity (C208)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
675 shp · 503 kW
Avionics
Garmin G1000 glass cockpit
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.60 m
Cabin height
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Cabin length
21 ft 4 in  ·  6.50 m
Exterior length
41 ft 8 in  ·  12.70 m
Tail height
15 ft 5 in  ·  4.70 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
52 ft 2 in  ·  15.90 m
Baggage volume
452 ft³  ·  12.8 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
8,750 lb  ·  3,950 kg
Max landing weight
8,500 lb  ·  3,850 kg
Max payload
3,700 lb  ·  1,650 kg
Fuel capacity
340 gal · 1,300 L · 1,000 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
175 kt  ·  201 mph  ·  324 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
78 kt  ·  90 mph  ·  144 km/h
Range
870 nm  ·  1,000 mi  ·  1,610 km
Fuel burn
2.57 nm/gal  ·  1.26 km/L
Ceiling
25,000 ft  ·  7,600 m
Rate of climb
925 ft/min  ·  5 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,500 ft  ·  760 m
Landing distance
1,740 ft  ·  530 m
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FedEx Feeder Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster ‘N857FE’

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Operational Context

Cessna Super Cargomaster — twin-engine piston transport aircraft

The Super Cargomaster first flew in 1964 and entered service soon afterward as a development of the Cessna 411 and 421 family of light twins. Engineers strengthened the airframe and increased payload capability to create a utility aircraft capable of operating from shorter and rougher airstrips. A high wing and large cargo doors supported loading efficiency and ground clearance.

Two Continental piston engines producing approximately 375 horsepower each powered the aircraft. Cruise speed approached 190 knots (352 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg), allowing the aircraft to carry substantial cargo for its size while still operating from relatively short runways.

The Super Cargomaster was used in cargo transport, aerial logistics, and special utility roles. Its ability to combine twin-engine reliability with practical payload capacity made it attractive for operators working in remote areas. Although production numbers remained modest, the aircraft reflects Cessna’s experimentation with specialized cargo variants of its twin-engine platforms.