Cessna Model 425 Corsair

In November 1977 Cessna began the design of a new pressurised light business aircraft and the prototype flew for the first time on 12 September 1978. The aircraft combined the airframe of the Model 421 Golden Eagle with two Pratt & Whitney of Canada PT6A turboprop engines. Other features included the dihedral tailplane of the Model 404, all endowing the new aircraft, introducedin 1980 as the Cessna Model 425 Corsair, with higher cruising speeds and operating altitudes. Like the Model 421, the Corsair offered six/eight seat accommodation in varying interior layouts and a wide range of cabin furnishings together with a high standard of avionics and equipment. The Corsair was certified in mid-1980 and first deliveries made in November the same year. Late in 1982 the aircraft was retrospectively designated and marketed as the Corsair I and 226 had been delivered when production terminated in 1986. The Garrett-engined Corsair II was built as the Model 441