Belgium first military customer for SkyCourier

An artist's rendering of the Cessna C408 SkyCourier twin-turboprop cargo aircraft in Belgian markings. Belgium has ordered five aircraft for use by its special forces. (Textron)

Belgium has signed up to be the military launch customer for the Cessna C408 SkyCourier twin-turboprop cargo aircraft, company owner Textron announced on 7 April.

The Belgian armed forces have acquired five aircraft to boost its special operation forces (SOF) capabilities, including troop transport, cargo airlift, medical and casualty evacuation, and crisis response.

“The selection launches the SkyCourier into the global defence market for the first time, and strengthens Belgium's airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform built for demanding missions,” Textron said.

Deliveries to the prime contractor Sabena Engineering are expected throughout 2027, followed by in‑country military modifications prior to the aircraft transfer to the Belgian SOF.

The SkyCourier made its maiden flight in May 2020, and to date had been ordered only by commercial operators. The aircraft is a high-wing, fixed-undercarriage design capable of rough field operations in austere environments.

It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines. Cessna's performance data gives the aircraft a maximum payload of 6,000 lb (2,722 kg), the ability to carry 19 passengers, a maximum cruise speed of 200 KTAS, a service ceiling of 25,000 ft, and a range of 900 n miles (1,667 km) or 400 n miles with a 5,000 lb payload.

Separate to the Belgian procurement announcement, on 7 April Textron said it is to offer a new in-flight operable door option for the passenger variant of the SkyCourier, expanding the aircraft's special mission versatility for military, humanitarian and commercial operations. The functionality is expected to be available as a mission factory-installed option from 2028.

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