F406 Caravan II

The Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II is a turboprop twin-engine utility aircraft developed through a collaboration between Reims Aviation and Cessna. Conceived as a twin-turboprop evolution of the Cessna 404 Titan, it was designed with a capacity of up to fourteen seats for roles including passenger transport, small cargo operations, and civilian or military surveillance. The airframe is constructed primarily of aluminum, while steel is incorporated into the engine internals, exhaust system, and landing gear.

The F406 Caravan II is a low-wing monoplane featuring conventional aluminum airframe construction. The twin-turboprop design accommodates up to fourteen seats. For increased cargo capacity, a cargo pod can be attached to the aircraft's belly. Customers had engine options including the P&WC PT6A-135 turboprop engine or Continental piston engines. After Reims Aviation was acquired by Continental Motors Inc and renamed ASI Aviation, remaining incomplete airframes were updated with new avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and autopilot systems.

Development

The F406 made its first flight on September 22, 1983. Production was carried out by Reims Aviation until 2013. Although presenting higher operating costs compared to single-engine aircraft with similar passenger capacity, its twin-engine configuration allowed compliance with European regulations that, at one time, mandated multi-engine aircraft for commercial instrument flight rules operations. The aircraft is designed for roles including passenger transport, small cargo transport, and civilian or military surveillance.

Operational History

The Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II has been operated by various organizations globally. These include the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, the French Army, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Hellenic Coast Guard, and the Namibian Fisheries and Marine Resources, indicating deployment in surveillance, patrol, transport, and search and rescue capacities. Civilian operators such as Air Saint-Pierre, Air-Taxi Europe, and Westair Aviation have utilized the aircraft for passenger and cargo transport services.

Variants

Main Variants:

• The standard F406 Caravan II serves as a platform for passenger and small cargo transport.

• Surveillance variants are adapted for civilian and military use with specialized equipment.

• Aircraft fitted with an external cargo pod have increased cargo capacity.

• Modified airframes feature updated avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and autopilot systems.

• Re-engined variants include options for the P&WC PT6A-135 turboprop or Continental piston engines.