In late 1977, the Cessna firm developed a project for a new turboprop aircraft, whose prototype made its first flight on September 12, 1978. Introduced into service in 1980 under the designation Model 425 Corsair, this pressurized cabin business aircraft was a combination of the Model 421C Golden Eagle airframe with a new power plant consisting of two PT6A turboprop engines. Their application allowed for an increase in cruising speed and improved high-altitude performance of the machine with an increased takeoff weight.
Design and Features
The Corsair had the same passenger capacity as the Model 421, but featured a new landing gear design and altered contours of the fuselage’s nose section. Like most business aircraft of this class, the aircraft was characterized by a rich set of installed equipment, but even more avionics and systems could be installed at the customer’s choice.
Production and Evolution
By the time production of the Corsair ceased in 1986, 226 units had been sold. In late 1982, after 132 aircraft were produced, the Corsair was slightly modified, increasing its maximum takeoff weight by 180 kg, and renamed Conquest I. The updated aircraft was produced for a relatively short time, until the mid-1980s. During that period, Cessna rationalized its line of manufactured aircraft due to increasing fuel prices and rising costs for product quality assurance.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cessna 425 |
| Wingspan, m | 11.62 |
| Aircraft length, m | 10.46 |
| Aircraft height, m | 3.84 |
| Wing area, m2 | 17.10 |
| Empty weight | 1780 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2719 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Continental TSIO-520NB |
| Power, hp | 1 x 310 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 452 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 425 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 315 |
| Practical range, km | 2603 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 503 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 9083 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 4-5 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 425 Corsair
 Cessna 425 Corsair |
 Cessna 425 Corsair |
 Cessna 425 Corsair |
 Cessna 425 Corsair |
 Cessna 425 Corsair |
 Cessna 425 Corsair |