Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
alberchico wrote:Because this aircraft was designed around the needs of FedEx, it doesn't have the extreme STOL capabilities that aircraft like the Twin Otter and the D0-228 have. It requires a 4,000 ft runway to operate from. But that may not matter to a lot of operators. It's going to have some strong competition down the road from the Let-410NG as well as the Chinese Y-12F.
texl1649 wrote:alberchico wrote:Because this aircraft was designed around the needs of FedEx, it doesn't have the extreme STOL capabilities that aircraft like the Twin Otter and the D0-228 have. It requires a 4,000 ft runway to operate from. But that may not matter to a lot of operators. It's going to have some strong competition down the road from the Let-410NG as well as the Chinese Y-12F.
This is very true. And, Cessna has no real history of a STOL derivative/market goal, but it isn't too hard to envisage a high lift device wing/option/derivative being offered down the road. Hard points for weapons are tougher to add on later, though.
meecrob wrote:I'm not sure a cargo plane will be enhanced by adding hardpoints. Like are you thinking hanging some sidewinders off of it for self defense or bombs?
TWA772LR wrote:meecrob wrote:I'm not sure a cargo plane will be enhanced by adding hardpoints. Like are you thinking hanging some sidewinders off of it for self defense or bombs?
Like Hellfires or 2.75 rockets. Would make for a good little COIN platform. Think of a fixed wing Hind but not as beefy armored. They pretty much retrofitted Hellfire hard points to Predators and like I said Cessna has experience in militarizing civilian aircraft with the O2. I believe there are even armed Caravans out there.
TWA772LR wrote:meecrob wrote:I'm not sure a cargo plane will be enhanced by adding hardpoints. Like are you thinking hanging some sidewinders off of it for self defense or bombs?
Like Hellfires or 2.75 rockets. Would make for a good little COIN platform. Think of a fixed wing Hind but not as beefy armored. They pretty much retrofitted Hellfire hard points to Predators and like I said Cessna has experience in militarizing civilian aircraft with the O2. I believe there are even armed Caravans out there.