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Further Reading

U-27A / C-16

The Cessna Aircraft Company's Caravan I -- designated the U-27A by the Department of Defense -- is a single-engine, high-wing aircraft costing $825,000. Its oversized tires allow operation from soft or unimproved fields, and its cabin holds up to 12 passengers. The C-16 designation was assigned to Cessa Caravan CE-208 aircraft intended for use by the Army for missions against leftist forces in El Salvador and Nicaragua during the mid-1980s. In fact, the aircraft were apparently not accepted for service.

Because of their reliability and flexibility, Caravans are in service with armies, air forces, police forces, and other government agencies around the world. One export sales variant of the U-27A boasts various hardpoints for weapons, as well as a three-barrel Gatling gun that pokes ominously from the port cargo door. Equipped with an optional spray system, the U-27A can apply pesticides to crops, thus improving agriculture and perhaps eliminating such disease-bearing pests as mosquitoes. Eradication of the narcotics trade is another possible mission. The U-27A's ability to accommodate either a rifle squad or 3,835 pounds of cargo is well suited to counterinsurgency (COIN) military operations, which are primarily small-unit infantry engagements. Although not a short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft in the strictest sense, the U-27A can still operate from fields 2,170 feet in length.

Living up to its name, the Grand Caravan delivers exceptional performance. In ISA conditions at sea level it climbs at 975 fpm (297 mpm) and cruises at speeds up to 184 knots (341 km/h). Maybe that's why the Caravan is the go-to aircraft for both business and pleasure. Whether it's reaching far-away customers or reaching out to your son through fly-fishing, the Grand Caravan is more than up to the challenge. And even with all the available seating, this extraordinary aircraft can change roles quickly by converting to a cargo hauler in less than 30 minutes, doubling its duty. And more than earning its keep.

With up to 340 cubic feet (9.6 m3) of cabin space, it can carry up to 12 passengers (depending on local regulations), a mountain of cargo or a healthy combination of both. In fact, with the Grand Caravan's optional cargo pod, users gain an additional 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of easy-to-access cargo/storage capacity within the 111.5 cubic foot (3.2 m3) pod.