Fact file: Cessna C208 Caravan

6653

A handy turbo-prop light transport used by the South African Air Force.

Designation:

Cessna C208 Caravan

Type:

Light transport

Country of origin:

United States

First flight:

Delivered to the SAAF:

1988.

Associated project name(s):

Koiler

Numbers:

13.

Cost:

Crew:

Pilot, co-pilot.

  • Major dimensions & weights

  • Wingspan:

  • Length:

  • Height:

  • Wing area:

  • Basic empty weight:

  • Max take-off weight:

  • Max landing weight:

  • Max internal fuel:

  • Max external fuel:

  • Max cargo weight:

  • Passengers:

  • 15.9m (52ft 1in)

  • 11.46m (37ft 7in)

  • 4.5m.

  • 1752kg (3862lbs).

  • 3629kg (8000 lbs).

  • 13.

Performance

  • Take-off to clear 15m:

  • Landing from 15m:

  • Rate of climb:

  • Service ceiling:

  • Max operating speed:

  • Max cruise speed:

  • Max range at cruise speed:

  • Stall speed:

  • G-loads:

  • Wing loading:

  • Thrust:

  • Bypass ratio:

  • Thrust/weight ratio:

  • 350km/h (217mph).

  • 1870km (1162 miles) at sea level.

Engine Specifications

  • Make:

  • Model:

  • Type:

  • Number:

  • Compression ratio:

  • Engine diameter:

  • Engine length:

  • Dry weight:

  • Power turbine rotor speed:

  • Shaft horsepower:

  • Propeller:

  • Pratt & Whitney

  • PT6

  • Turboprop.

  • 1.

  • 600.

Hard points:

None.

Armament:

None.

Other attachments:

 

In 2007 the SAAF awarded a contract on Aerosud and Denel under Project Koiler for a day/night reconnaissance system for the C208.The contract involved the acquisition of three sets of mission equipment and the modification of 11 aircraft. The aircraft, so equipped, was successfully used in Operation Kgwele, the drive to secure the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In the same year the reconstituted Iraqi Air Force adopted an armed version of the Caravan, the AC208, armed with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles.

Comment:

The SAAF acquired the type in 1988.