Cessna 404 Titan
American light, twin-engined transport aircraft, prominent during the late 20th century, extensively used in passenger and cargo service.
| Length | 12.0 m (39.5 ft) |
| Wingspan | 14.1 m (46.4 ft) |
| Height | 4.1 m (13.3 ft) |
| Wing area | 22 m² (236.8 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 2,193 kg (4,835 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × radial engine Continental GTSIO-520-M 280 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 430 km/h (267 mph) |
| Operational range | 3,410 km (2,119 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 7,925 m (26,001 ft) |
| Climb rate | 8.0 m/s (26.2 ft/s) |
Description
The Cessna 404 Titan was developed as a larger variant of the Cessna 402 in the 1970s. It was the company's largest twin piston-engined aircraft at the time. The design included an enlarged vertical tail and other modifications. The prototype made its first flight on February 26, 1975. Power was provided by two 375 hp/280 kW turbocharged Continental Motors GTSIO-520 piston engines.
Initially, two versions were available: the Titan Ambassador passenger aircraft, accommodating ten passengers, and the Titan Courier utility aircraft, designed for both passengers and cargo. By early 1982, seven different variants had been introduced, including the Titan Freighter, a dedicated cargo version featuring a strengthened floor, cargo doors, and impact-resistant polycarbonate interior walls and ceiling to protect against damage from shifting cargo.
Armament
The Cessna 404 Titan was not designed as a combat aircraft and lacks any dedicated offensive or defensive armament systems. The C-28A variant, acquired by the United States Navy, was utilized in a support role, such as for transport. The Titan Freighter version was intended for cargo transport, featuring a strengthened floor and impact-resistant interior to accommodate payloads.
Operational History
The Cessna 404 Titan has seen operational use in both civilian and military roles across the globe. In civilian service, it has been employed by various airlines and operators in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom for passenger and cargo transport. Militarily, the Titan has been utilized by the air forces of Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Sweden, and Tanzania, as well as by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Mexican Navy, the United States Navy (designated as the C-28A), and the Puerto Rico Police Department. The Colombian Air Force operates two Titans through SATENA, and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force acquired one in 1979.
Variants
Main Variants:
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Titan Ambassador: The basic model configured as a 10-seat passenger aircraft.
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Titan Courier: A convertible version of the aircraft designed for both passenger and cargo transport.
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Titan Freighter: A dedicated cargo variant, featuring a strengthened floor and impact-resistant interior to protect against damage from shifting cargo.
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C-28A Titan: The designation for two aircraft acquired by the United States Navy.
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Titan Ambassador II/III and Courier II/Freighter II: Similar to the initial versions, but including factory-installed avionics.