Cargo Airplanes
Cessna 408 SkyCourier
ICAO: C408
Overview
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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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.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.
- https://gbaircraft.com.pl/_pdf/SuperCargoMasterEX_spec_tech.pdf
- https://contentzone.eurocontrol.int/aircraftperformance/details.aspx?ICAO=C208&
- https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/caravan/
- https://www.topspeed.com/aviation/aviation-reviews/cessna/1982-2010-cessna-super-cargomaster-ar83845.html