U. S. Military Aircraft

Cessna Model 208 CARAVAN I

Photo By Coll Avis News

First flown in December 1982, the Caravan it was Cessna, is first wholly new design for some years. The type was planned as the Model 208 to succeed the company's earlier Model 180, 185 and 206 while also assuming the utility mantle of de Havilland Canada types such as the Beaver and Otter. The Caravan it is therefore a thoroughly utilitarian design with a strut braced wing in the high set position, a capacious fuselage accessed by large doors, and fixed tricycle landing gear with tall legs so that a ventral freight container can be fitted when required. The Model 208A production version appeared in 1984, and in the same year the company launched development of purely military model as the U-27A. This is externally identical with the Model 208A but is stressed for higher maximum take off and landing weights in its role as a utility transport for troops and freight. The type can also be configured for the casualty evacuation and forward air control roles, while the 100 cu ft. freight container can be replaced by a reconnaissance pod with optical and infra red sensors as well as a data link.