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By
Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_421
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Cessna 421B Golden Eagle with aftermarket RAM modified engines |
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A Cessna 421B Golden Eagle, front view |
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Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical pilot's instrumentation |
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Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical co-pilot's instrumentation |
The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle is a development of the earlier Cessna 411 light, twin-engine personal transport aircraft. The main difference between the two models is that the 421 is pressurized.
Powerplant
The 421 uses geared Continental Motors Continental GTSIO-520-D engines. The gearing means that rather than the drive shaft being directly connected to the propeller, it drives through a set of reduction gears.
The geared engines operate at a similar speed to a typical direct drive engine however the gear-reduction drive slows the propeller RPM down. This lower prop speed of 1600-1900RPM in cruise greatly reduces cabin noise which is the greatest benefit of the gear reduction drive. These engines have proven to be extremely reliable.
Production
The 421 was first produced in 1968. It was redesigned in 1970 and marketed as the 421B.
In 1976 the 421C appeared which featured wet wings and the absence of wing tip fuel tanks. In 1980 the 421C's landing gear was changed from straight-leg to a trailing-link design.
Production ended in 1985 due to product liability concerns, along with all other piston-powered Cessna aircraft.
The aircraft remains a popular high-performance pressurized personal aircraft and commands high prices in the used aircraft market.
Modifications
Some 421s have been modified to accept turboprop engines, making them very similar to the Cessna 425, which itself is a turboprop development of the 421.
Military Operators
 Bolivia Ivory Coast New Zealand
 Pakistan Paraguay Philippines Sri Lanka Turkey
Specifications (C 421A)General characteristics
- Crew: One or two
- Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Length: 10.29 m (33 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan: 12.15 m (39 ft 10 in)
- Height: 3.56 m (11 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 18.6 m² (200 ft²)
- Empty weight: 2,132 kg (4,700 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,103 kg (6,840 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Continental GTSIO-520-D turbocharged, fuel injected and geared, 280 kW (374 hp) each
Performance
http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=154
See also
Related development
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Published in July 2009.
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